Brian Robinson is ready to return to the practice field.
Just over a month after sustaining gunshot wounds in a shooting in Washington, D.C., the Commanders rookie running back was designated to return to practice on Wednesday.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that Washington was expected to activate Robinson off the reserve/non-football injury list this week after his mandatory four-week stint.
Washington has 21 days to officially activate the 23-year-old and move him to the active roster.
Robinson suffered two gunshot wounds to his right leg as the victim of an attempted robbery or carjacking in late August. The bullets went through his knee, but did not create massive damage and missed his ligaments, tendons and bones. The wounds have since healed, Rapoport added.
Washington kept Robinson in its initial 53-man roster and moved him to the non-football injury list, signaling he could potentially return earlier than expected.
Robinson spoke with reporters following Wednesday's practice and shed light on his recovery back to the field.
"Once the doctors told me I'd be able to play ball again, my mind went to whatever I could do to get back on the field again," Robinson said, .
Robinson described his first day back at practice as "beautiful."
"I'm the king of adversity," he said, . "I've been dealt with so much adversity in my life."
The third-round rookie out of Alabama has been around the team in recent weeks and did a simulated series last week with Washington's strength and conditioning staff, earning positive reviews, per Rapoport.
Washington coach Ron Rivera sounded confident earlier this week that Robinson could make his NFL debut this week against the Tennessee Titans.
When asked about his availability for Week 5, Robinson said he's taking it day by day.
"It's just one day at a time," he said, . "I couldn't even tell you right now."
When Robinson returns to the active roster, he'll join a backfield currently paced by Antonio Gibson (66 touches, 274 total yards, two TDs). J.D. McKissic is Washington's second backfield option with 187 yards on 36 touches.
