San Francisco 49ers acquire RB Brian Robinson from Commanders

Dealing with an onslaught of injuries to its receiving and running back core, the San Francisco 49ers have made a move to bolster their offense as the preseason winds down.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 49ers have acquired running back Brian Robinson Jr. from the Washington Commanders in return for a 2026 sixth-round pick.

Robinson, 26, is entering the final year of his rookie-scale contract after being drafted with the 98th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Alabama.

The Commanders and Robinson were heading for a split as training camp and preseason rolled on, and now a resolution has been reached that will make the two-time College Football National Championship winner Christian McCaffrey’s backup in Santa Clara.

Trade: Commanders are trading RB Brian Robinson to the 49ers in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/bqYjKoxgl5

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 22, 2025

Robinson rushed for nearly 800 yards during the 2024 season (799) while running in eight touchdowns over 14 games–both career-highs.

With McCaffrey now seemingly healthy, Robinson provides the 49ers offense with insurance if the star running back misses time again in 2025.

San Francisco is still navigating injuries to key offensive weapons like receivers Brandon Aiyuk (knee), Jauan Jennings (calf), Russell Gage (knee), and Jordan Watkins. The 49ers have also lost running back Patrick Taylor Jr. (shoulder) for the season, while other running backs (Issac Guerrendo, Corey Kiner, and Jordan James) are also dealing with injuries.

More San Francisco 49ers content from Sactown Sports

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson has been suspended for the first three games of the upcoming NFL season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

The suspension is not yet official as Robinson and the 49ers work through the appeal process, according to NFL Network.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the news on a San Francisco Bay Area radio show on Wednesday.

“You can always appeal it, so we’ll hope for the best on that, but (three weeks) is what we’re planning for,” Shanahan said.

In July 2025, the 30-year-old Robinson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor DUI charge he received in November 2024 as a member of the Los Angeles Rams.

Robinson was sentenced to three years’ probation and ordered to pay a $390 fine following the incident.

The standard suspension in the NFL for a first-time DUI offense is three games.

Robinson’s absence would be another blow to a San Francisco 49ers’ receiver room that could already be without Brandon Aiyuk (recovering from a torn ACL) and Jauan Jennings (calf injury) to start the year.

Robinson had 31 receptions for 505 yards and seven touchdowns for the Rams last season. He has also played for the Kansas City Chiefs (2017-21) and Baltimore Ravens (2022) in his eight-year career.

Read more below:

49ers wideout Demarcus Robinson suspended for three games

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

Preseason

• Saturday, August 23rd – vs. Los Angeles Chargers – 5:30 PM PT

Regular Season

• Sunday, September 7th – @ Seattle Seahawks – 1:05 PM PT  *Season opener*
• Sunday, September 14th – @ New Orleans Saints – 10:00 AM PT
• Sunday, September 21st – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:25 PM PT
• Sunday, September 28th – vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – 1:05 PM PT
• Thursday, October 2nd – @ Los Angeles Rams – 5:15 PM PT

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