Washington Commanders Running Back Brian Robinson Jr. Shot in Attempted Carjacking

The rookie running back for the Washington Commanders, Brian Robinson Jr., was shot during an attempted carjacking or robbery, the NFL team reported on Sunday night.

The former University of Alabama player, 23, was taken to a hospital for what the team described as non-life-threatening injuries. The Commanders stated in a statement that members of their staff were with Robinson at the hospital.

Coach Ron Rivera said he visited Robinson.

"He's in good spirits and wanted me to thank everyone for their kind words, prayers, and support," Rivera wrote on Twitter. "He wanted his teammates to know that he appreciates them for being there and he loves them all, and he'll be back soon doing what he does best."

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— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 29, 2022

The Washington, D.C. police reported a shooting in the northeast area of the city and stated that they were looking for two possible suspects.

Robinson was expected, who was chosen in the third round of the most recent draft, to be a starter in the Commanders' offensive lineup this season. He looked particularly impressive during training camp and the preseason, earning the position over current starter Antonio Gibson.

"Brian has been incredible," offensive coordinator Scott Turner recently acknowledged. "He's a serious kid. Football is extremely important to him. He prides himself on being a physical runner."

Robinson traveled with the team for the final preseason game in Baltimore on Saturday, but did not play.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pound player ran for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns last season at Alabama. The Commanders selected him with the 98th pick in the draft.