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John Keim, ESPN writer
ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders’ running game, in need of a shake-up after three straight mediocre games, will be without two critical players for Sunday’s game against Tennessee.
But at least one crucial player will return to the field.
Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr., who missed the second half of Sunday’s Week 12 loss against Dallas with a sprained right ankle, participated fully in Friday’s practice and did not receive an injury designation. , indicating that he will play against the Titans. .
Robinson is second behind quarterback Jayden Daniels with 537 rushing yards, but leads the team with seven rushing touchdowns.
However, the Commanders (7-5) will be without Austin Ekeler and right tackle Andrew Wylie when they host Tennessee (3-8) at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Both players suffered concussions against the Cowboys.
Ekeler leads Washington backs with 701 yards from scrimmage, serving primarily as a third-down back. He also averages 31.3 yards per kickoff return. Jeremy McNichols will replace Ekeler.
Wylie worked out during the week, but was still limited on Thursday and Friday. Wylie has been a solid run blocker for Washington this season; He was replaced Sunday by veteran Trent Scott.
Additionally, cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) was listed as doubtful, meaning he will likely miss his fourth straight game since Washington acquired him in a trade with New Orleans on Nov. 5. He also missed his final game with the Saints due to the same injury.
Washington’s running game has declined lately. Commanders running backs have averaged a combined 3.3 yards per carry during their losing streak. Robinson has only played one full game since Week 8 due to various injuries. He carried the ball just five times for 18 yards against Dallas before suffering the ankle injury.
Tennessee’s defense ranks sixth in yards per carry allowed and ninth in rushing yards per game. It will be a tough matchup regardless of who plays for Washington. But Commanders center Tyler Biadasz said of Robinson: “He’s a beast. His power says it all.”
