SANTA CLARA — The 49ers added another weapon to their offense in advance of the regular season.
Surprise! It wasn’t a wide receiver.
Brian Robinson Jr., a productive running back for the Washington Commanders, is headed to the 49ers in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick in 2026. The deal was reported Friday by multiple media outlets and confirmed independently by this news organization.
Robinson, 26, has been a consistent producer in Washington from 2022 through 2024, gaining 797, 733 and 799 yards in 41 games and 37 starts with 15 touchdowns. Robinson also caught 65 passes for 590 yards and five touchdowns over the three seasons.
A third-round draft pick out of Alabama, Robinson (6-foot-1, 228 pounds) is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is scheduled to make $3.4 million this season.
Christian McCaffrey, who had his best week of practice during training camp, will be the lead dog among the running backs. The addition of Robinson, to go along with Isaac Guerendo, could signal a move to an offense even more run-heavy than is usual for coach Kyle Shanahan. It also affords the opportunity to flex McCaffrey, have him play in the slot or put him motion as a receiving threat while on the field at the same time with Robinson and Guerendo.
The transaction will be completed upon Robinson receiving a physical from the 49ers.
Such a setup could enable the 49ers to tweak their offense with the wide receiving corps currently decimated by injury with the lone adjustment of late being Skyy Moore, acquired from Kansas City Wednesday. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will be out for probably five or six games while recovering from ACL/MCL surgery and Jauan Jennings hasn’t practiced since July 27 with a calf strain.
With Demarcus Robinson awaiting a suspension the 49ers are on the record anticipating at three games, that leaves second-year Ricky Pearsall Jr. as the top receiving option for quarterback Brock Purdy. Also injured is Russell Gage Jr. (knee) and rookie Jordan Watkins (high ankle sprain). Veteran Robbie Chosen could end up in the starting lineup along with Pearsall.
Also on the roster in among running backs in advance of cutdown day on Tuesday are fifth-round draft pick Jordan James, who has been slowed by injury in camp (the latest a broken finger), veteran Jeff Wilson Jr. and Key’Shawn Vaughn.
It’s the latest move in a running back shuffle for the 49ers, which saw them trade leading rusher Jordan Mason last year for a sixth-round draft pick. James was drafted with a fifth-round pick acquired in exchange for Deebo Samuel, who was sent to Washington.
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As a rookie in 2022, Robinson was shot twice in the hip and knee on Aug. 28 in an armed robbery attempt while in his car. With the injuries non-life threatening, Robinson made it back to play by Week 5. It was similar to the shooting a year ago of Pearsall with two juveniles were charged in the crime.
The 49ers play their final exhibition game at Levi’s Stadium Saturday night against the Los Angeles Chargers, with most starters expected to be held out of action. A walkthrough is scheduled for today with no media access.
