With two games remaining in the 2023 NFL season, the Washington Commanders are battling multiple injuries at running back.
Starter Brian Robinson Jr. injured his hamstring in a Week 13 loss to the Miami Dolphins and has missed the last two games. Antonio Gibson moved into the starting role with rookie Chris Rodriguez Jr. behind him. The Commanders also brought back Jonathan Williams and signed veteran Derrick Gore from the practice squad.
During Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets, Rodriguez tweaked his ankle and was in a boot after the game. This was after he rushed for 58 yards and two touchdowns. Head coach Ron Rivera said that Rodriguez had an MRI on Tuesday.
“He’s getting an MRI today, I believe,” Rivera said. “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.”
Additionally, Williams was in concussion protocol, and with Robinson’s status still uncertain, the Commanders brought back a familiar face. Washington signed Jaret Patterson to the practice squad.
Patterson signed with Washington as an undrafted free agent after the 2021 NFL draft. Patterson spent two seasons with Washington, appearing in 20 games with one start, rushing for 344 yards, two touchdowns and averaging four yards per attempt.
The Prince George’s County (Maryland) native was waived during final roster cuts in August and signed with the Chargers practice squad in September. After three months on their practice squad, he was released last week and now returns to Washington.
“That’s the answer,” Rivera said when asked if Patterson being familiar with the team and also local played a part in his return. “He’s very familiar with what we do; that’s the biggest thing.”
With Gibson and Gore the only healthy backs, Patterson could be activated ahead of Sunday’s game, depending on the progress that Robinson, Rodriguez and Williams make throughout the week.