Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn all but confirmed what has become obvious: running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. will be on Washington’s 53-man roster next week, and he’ll have a significant role.

With three-year starter Brian Robinson Jr. on the trading block, he won’t be back regardless, much of the focus has been on the Commanders’ seventh-round pick, Bill Croskey-Merritt. While the Commanders love Croskey-Merritt and he should have a role on this year’s team, Rodriguez’s offseason has flown under the radar.

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Rodriguez, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, spent his rookie season on the Commanders’ 53-man roster. He appeared in 13 games, rushing for 247 yards and two touchdowns. He didn’t make the roster last summer, but re-signed with the practice squad. When other backs were injured, Washington activated Rodriguez, and he appeared in nine games, rushing for 173 yards and two touchdowns. He helped put away the New York Giants with a strong fourth quarter in a Week 9 win.

Washington coaches often praised Rodriguez for always being ready and delivering when called upon. This offseason was different. Head coach Dan Quinn praised Rodriguez’s conditioning, mentioning how he transformed his body. It was clear during the Commanders’ preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals that they plan to use him frequently in 2025. He had a 40-yard run on the opening drive and finished with 62 yards on six carries.

On Thursday, Ben Standig questioned Quinn about whether Rodriguez could take over Robinson’s role as the short-yardage and goal-line back. Here’s Quinn’s response:

“Yes, and I would say there’s also parts of our offense that are a little bit untraditional, where we’re not traditional in using a lead blocker sometimes in short yardage,” Quinn said. “So, but I do like knowing that Chris has that tackle-breaking ability, especially in a small space, but yeah, I would say that would be one that’s at the front of the thinking first.”

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There you have it. Not only is Rodriguez making the team, but he will be counted upon near the goal line and in short-yardage situations. The good news is that Rodriguez is equipped for it. He’s a powerful runner who doesn’t hesitate once he sees the hole, which is critical in short-yardage situations.

While it’s always difficult to see a player like Robinson go, it’s also good to see players like Rodriguez rewarded for their hard work.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders coach Dan Quinn confirms Chris Rodriguez’s role for 2025