Brian Robinson Jr. enjoyed a strong training camp with the Commanders, and he continued that into the preseason. The third-round rookie totaled 57 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, and it seemed that he was on his way toward earning a significant role in the team's backfield rotation.
However, a disaster struck on Aug. 28 that threatened Robinson's livelihood.
Robinson was shot twice when two teenagers attempted to rob him in Washington D.C. He was struck in the right glute and knee, and while it was quickly determined that his injuries were not life-threatening, Robinson couldn't help but wonder how they would impact his playing career.
“That was probably the lowest point I’ve ever been in my life,” Robinson told reporters of his feelings after the shooting on Wednesday, per Yahoo Sports.
“My passion for this game runs so deep,” he later added. “I never thought I’d be in a situation where I had to question or be questioned about if I could return to playing football.”
MORE: How Brian Robinson made remarkable five-week recovery from shooting incident
Miraculously, Robinson avoided severe injuries from the bullet wounds. In particular, he got lucky with the bullet that struck his knee; it went through clean and somehow didn't damage the bone or any ligaments in the area.
That meant that he would have a chance to return at some point during the 2022 NFL season. And once that possibility was presented, Robinson knew how he would focus his energy.
“Once the doctors told me I’d be able to play ball again, my mind automatically clicked into what I needed to do to get myself back on the football field,” he said.
So, Robinson worked hard to get himself back onto the field. And on Wednesday, Oct. 6, he was able to return to practice and participate in drills just 37 days after the shooting.
MORE: Why the Commanders traded for Carson Wentz over Jimmy Garoppolo
Robinson seemed overjoyed to be back on the field, and he was caught on camera dancing between reps.
When you return to practice after missing 4 weeks .. pic.twitter.com/3s5SChCsJG
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 5, 2022
He also seemed to be moving well, and he explained during his Wednesday media availability that he had exceeded his expectations in his first practice back.
My goodness…Brian Robinson Jr is moving GREAT.
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) October 5, 2022
So impressive. pic.twitter.com/w9unaA2lj7
Washington coach Ron Rivera was pleased with Robinson's efforts in Wednesday's session but explained that the team is still approaching Robinson's return with caution.
“That’s always a good indicator when a guy gets his first real workout is how he’s reacting the next day,” Rivera said. “And if he practices again like he did today, then we’ll see if there’s any dropoff.”
MORE: Ron Rivera is sticking with Carson Wentz at QB despite struggles
As such, Robinson's status for Washington's Week 5 game against the Titans is up in the air.
Either way though, that Robinson has a chance to play as soon as Week 5 is a win for him. He proved to himself that he could overcome a situation that he said was "by far the worst I’ve ever dealt with.”
“This is just another situation where I had to be stronger than what I was up against,” he said.