Team news: Washington Commanders | Page 11

While discussing Antonio Gibson's lingering hamstring injury, Washington beat reporter Ben Standig mentioned, "at a minimum, Robinson is expected to handle short-yardage work", which would give the rookie a floor as a goal-line back.

Related Players: Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic

Standig also mentions, "Washington plans to find ways to get Gibson the ball in space rather than force him inside.". That sounds fine on paper, but the Commanders made sure that they brought back J.D. McKissic to repeat his third-down role, creating a logjam in the backfield with no real upside for any of the three pieces.

Washington plans to find ways to get Antonio Gibson the ball in space rather than force him inside. Part of the logic involves limiting wear and tear. The presence of rookie Brian Robinson affords that shift.

The Commanders, having already retained pass catching specialist J.D. McKissic, selected the Alabama standout known for power and ball security in the third round. At a minimum, Robinson is expected to handle short-yardage work, duties given to Gibson last season following the release of Peyton Barber.

Rivera called Robinson "a big, strong, powerful downhill runner, more so than anything else.” The story said Robinson popped some solid runs while primarily holding down first-team duties Wednesday. He’ll receive ample work with the starters as long as this cautious approach with Gibson remains, it went on to say.

In Popper's post-draft look at the Chargers' depth chart, he notably listed rookie RB Isaiah Spiller ahead of incumbents Larry Rountree III and Joshua Kelley. "Finding a reliable backup behind Ekeler was a priority for general manager Tom Telesco and coach Brandon Staley this offseason, and they think they found that player in Spiller," wrote Popper.

Spiller has similar draft capital than Kelley (4th) and higher capital than Rountree (6th), and is arguably a better pass catcher than both heading into training camp. Spiller appears to be a dynasty player to target should Ekeler get hurt and has later-round value in redraft so long as he does not stumble out the gate.

The Atlanta Falcons have signed QB Marcus Mariota to a two-year deal.

Related Player: Feleipe Franks

Shortly after trading Matt Ryan, the Falcons add Mariota. The former Raider and Titan rejoins Arthur Smith in Atlanta. The two worked together in Tennessee. As of today, Mariota has little competition at quarterback, but that could change once the NFL Draft starts.

The Chicago Bears have signed WR Byron Pringle to a one-year deal.

Pringle served as a wideout and returner for the Chiefs. He will see a similar role as the Bears add wide receivers to a position of need.

TE Zach Ertz is staying with Arizona, signing a three-year deal.

Ertz was a strong play with Kyler Murray and can continue to be a TE1-type player as long as he stays on the field.

Chiefs RB Darrel Williams (toe) did not practice Wednesday.

Related Players: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jerick McKinnon, Derrick Gore

CEH may have practiced Wednesday, which will be confirmed once K.C. puts out their first injury report for the week. His return is vital with Williams being a healthy non-scratch during their Super Wild Card win.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid told reporters Friday that RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) will not play Super Wild Card Sunday against the Steelers. Reid expects RB Darrel Williams (toe) and Tyreek Hill (heel) to play.

Related Players: Jerick McKinnon, Derrick Gore

Once CEH could not give it a go Wednesday at practice, his fate appeared sealed. Look for a mixture of the three Chiefs backs Sunday against an okay Steelers rush defense.

Chiefs RBs Clyde Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) and Darrel Williams (toe) were limited Wednesday.

Related Players: Derrick Gore, Jerick McKinnon

The Chiefs backfield could be a committee approach Super Wild Card Weekend with bumps and bruises limiting their top backs.