Leaders reintroduce a well-known player in the running back position, who has sustained injuries.
As the 2023 NFL season approaches its conclusion with just two games remaining, the Washington Commanders find themselves grappling with multiple injuries in their running back corps.
The team’s starting running back, Brian Robinson Jr., sustained a hamstring injury during a Week 13 defeat against the Miami Dolphins and has been sidelined for the past two games. In his absence, Antonio Gibson assumed the starting role, with rookie Chris Rodriguez Jr. as the backup. To bolster their options, the Commanders reacquired Jonathan Williams and added veteran Derrick Gore from the practice squad.
Unfortunately, during the recent loss to the New York Jets, Rodriguez suffered an ankle injury and was seen wearing a protective boot post-game. Despite an impressive performance of 58 rushing yards and two touchdowns, Rodriguez’s status remains uncertain, prompting head coach Ron Rivera to mention an upcoming MRI.
Rivera stated, “He’s getting an MRI today, I believe. I actually haven’t talked to [Head Athletic Trainer] Al [Bellamy]. I’ll be talking to Al at our five o’clock meeting, so I’ll have a better feel for Chris.”
Compounding the situation, Williams entered concussion protocol, and with uncertainty surrounding Robinson’s availability, the Commanders decided to bring back a familiar face. Jaret Patterson, who originally joined Washington as an undrafted free agent after the 2021 NFL draft, has returned to the team’s practice squad.
Patterson, a Prince George’s County (Maryland) native, spent two seasons with Washington, participating in 20 games with one start. He accumulated 344 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and averaged four yards per attempt. Although waived during final roster cuts in August, Patterson’s familiarity with the team and local ties factored into his re-signing.
When asked about Patterson’s return, Rivera affirmed, “That’s the answer. He’s very familiar with what we do; that’s the biggest thing.”
As Gibson and Gore stand as the only healthy running backs on the roster, the potential activation of Patterson for the upcoming Sunday game hinges on the recovery progress of Robinson, Rodriguez, and Williams throughout the week.
