Commanders' Brian Robinson released from hospital after shooting; makes team's final 53-man roster

Washington Commanders rookie running back Brian Robinson was released from the hospital on Monday after sustaining non-life-threatening injuries when he was shot twice in an armed robbery attempt the day prior.

Robinson, 23, shared a photo on his Instagram story that "surgery went well." Commanders head coach Ron River told reporters on Monday the doctors have been "very positive with him" and all are optimistic about his recovery and healing process. With his health stable, the conversation shifted to his return to the field.

The former Alabama standout was scheduled meet with the team's doctors on Tuesday at the team facility to work on a rehabilitation plan, ESPN's John Keim reported. He showed up to the facility on crutches.

Rivera and the team are optimistic he will play this season.

Robinson made the team's 53-man roster Tuesday, though he could be placed on IR depending on his recovery.

Robinson was drafted in the third round and was expected to play a significant role in the run game following a career-high 1,343 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns with Alabama. Rivera said he and running backs coach Randy Jordan were watching film of him when they received the call.

Rivera said on Monday they would talk with his doctors and decide if they should place Robinson on the non-football injury list. He would miss at least four games under that designation.

Washington kicks off its 2022 campaign at home on Sept. 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The fifth game of the season is Oct. 9, which would be six weeks after the shooting.

Commanders rookie RB shot in DC

Robinson was shot in an armed robbery attempt when he went into D.C. to get something to eat, police said. They said they found Robinson with "a couple gunshot wounds to his lower extremities." He was treated by paramedics at the scene and transported to a local hospital. Police said one bullet hit his glute and another struck him in the lower leg.

Police have identified two potential suspects who are likely between the ages of 15 and 17. A firearm was recovered within a block of the shooting, they said. According to the report, Robinson "was able to wrestle a firearm away" from one of the suspects.

Washington players discussed the "sobering" incident with reporters on Monday after practice. Many praised the young star for his personality, approach and attitude toward hard work. Rivera wore a "Wear Orange" shirt advocating for gun safety during his meeting with reporters and spoke out about gun safety and education. "This continues to be a nationwide epidemic," he said.

The shooting occurred in what's known as the "H Street corridor," a 1 1/2-mile stretch in Northeast D.C. of popular restaurants and bars. Violent crime is up 89% in that area compared to the same time last year, according to data provided and reported by the Washington Post.

Washington Mystics point guard Natasha Cloud has directed attention to the issue of gun violence in the city for years now, once holding a media blackout to focus on it in 2019. As recently as May she called on men's sports teams to talk on the issue.