Brian Robinson Jr. shares Week 1 mindset with Christian McCaffrey questionable
Brian Robinson Jr. shares Week 1 mindset with Christian McCaffrey questionable originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Brian Robinson Jr. has been a starter for most of his NFL career, but joining a team with Christian McCaffrey as the lead running back could change that.
Robinson Jr. was traded to the 49ers last weekend after spending the first three seasons of his pro career with the Washington Commanders as their top back. Even though his role could change with San Francisco, his mindset and approach to the game remain the same.
I've been a starter in this league, so with that being said, I know what it takes to prepare like a starter all the time," Robinson Jr. told reporters after practice Friday. So, nothing changes. I come in here and I prepare like I'm going to start every game. Regardless of Christian [McCaffrey] and him being a starter here, that's just how I got to prepare. I got to prepare like I'm ready to start at any given moment.
That's how you become a starter in this league - prepare like a starter when you're not the starter. That's how you become a starter in this league and that's the way I prepare to play."
Robinson Jr. averaged 776 yards per season with the Commanders, scoring 15 touchdowns on the ground and five receiving scores.
Due to injuries, McCaffrey couldn't follow up his impressive 2023 campaign in which he was awarded Offensive Player of the Year. He is eager for a bounce-back season in 2025 and has looked good throughout most of training camp before his status for the regular season opener on Sunday was in question due to a calf issue.
McCaffrey is listed as questionable for the Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but the All-Pro running back said he feels great" and expects to play at Lumen Field.
But even with McCaffrey's availability up in the air, Robinson Jr. said his mindset doesn't change.
It feels the same," he said. It feels like I'm preparing the way that I prepare for a game. I prepare for a game as if I'm going to start the game, so it's the same routine."
Whether he's RB1 or RB2, Robinson Jr. will look to impress in his 49ers debut on Sunday.