SANTA CLARA – Once Brian Robinson Jr. made his 49ers practice debut Monday next to Christian McCaffrey, Robinson made a promise that could resonate around the NFL.
“My job right now is just to complement him the best way I can,” Robinson said, “and we’re going to be the best duo in the league.”
Coach Kyle Shanahan’s run-oriented scheme should help that quest, and he told Robinson as much after trading for him from the Washington Commanders for a conditional sixth-round draft pick.
“I’m very aware of how Coach Shanahan likes to run his offense with his backs,” Robinson added. “He emphasized that when he called me: ‘You know what I’m about. I’m ready to show you how we get down.’ ”
The 49ers could be more reliant on the run game from the get-go because of receiver woes, with Brandon Aiyuk yet to practice on a surgically repaired knee and Jauan Jennings entering his fifth week as a practice no-show as he deals with a calf issue and seeks a new contract.
Shanahan said after Saturday’s preseason finale that Robinson will serve as the 49ers’ No. 2 running back, rather than second-year rusher Isaac Guerendo.
“I see opportunities for myself regardless. I know C-Mac is going to do his thing, and I’m going to do my thing, for sure,” Robinson said. “Like I told Mr. Lynch before I got here, I respect everybody in the room and I respect C-Mac. But I’m a competitor. I come here to compete. I am ready to do my thing, just as Christian is ready to do his.”
Robinson was Washington’s No. 1 running back the past three seasons, although quarterback Jayden Daniels’ 891 rushing yards last season topped Robinson’s 799-yard output. Robinson ran for two touchdowns in the divisional playoff win at Detroit, then totaled just 36 yards in the NFC Championship Game loss to Philadelphia in what was his Commanders finale.
Robinson said he heard “hints” that the 49ers were among the teams vying for him as it became clear the Commanders would turn to Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jacory Croskey-Merrill and ex-Niner “wide-back” Deebo Samuel.
The 49ers brought Robinson in for a pre-draft visit in 2022; Washington took him in the third round out of Alabama, where he was teammates with current 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones.
In Monday’s practice debut, Robinson described “great energy” as he initially relieved McCaffrey for two carries, then they rotated again in a red zone drill, which is where the 49ers really could use that “best duo in the league.”
Added Robinson: “It’s good to be around C-Mac and to feel his energy and see how he goes about his business. Being able to jump right in and complement the best I can and the best I know. It was like the first day of school — I got lost in the hallway for a second but I found my way to class.”
WILLIAMS, WEST RETURN TO D-LINE
Rookie defensive linemen Mykel Williams and C.J. West practiced for the first time since sustaining knee injuries in joint practices against the Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders, respectively.
Both lined up on the interior at times, where the 49ers found themselves without potential starter Kalia Davis, who did conditioning work on a side field after sitting out Saturday’s preseason finale.
Also back at practice were quarterback Jones (knee), guard Ben Bartch (elbow), safety Richie Grant (knee) and cornerback Fabian Moreau.
HEALTH REPORT
While the 49ers continue to practice without Jennings in sight, wide receivers Jordan Watkins (ankle) and Russell Gage (knee) did work on a side field, but Demarcus Robinson was out for unknown reasons and Jacob Cowing is shelved with a hamstring injury for at least the next month.
Guard Dominick Puni (knee) did conditioning work on the side field. Others not practicing: nickel back Upton Stout (calf), defensive tackle Kevin Givens (biceps), cornerback Jakob Robinson (forearm), and linebacker Stone Blanton.
GREEN ON WEEK 1
Second-year cornerback Renardo Green has looked solid after missing three weeks with a hamstring strain. As for the Week 1 matchup with a revamped receiving corps in Seattle, Green said: “It doesn’t really matter who’s over there. I don’t care. I’m my biggest opponent. As long as I do what I’m supposed to do, I’m good. I don’t really get into all that. I don’t care who we play, what time or where we play.”
Green acknowledged that his rookie season’s highlight came last year in Seattle, where his interception secured a Week 6 win. Now playing under a new defensive coordinator, Green credited Robert Saleh with helping his vision and terminology, “so it’s kicking in and helping me make more plays, play faster and have more personality out there.”
QUARTERBACKS AMONG CUTS
Quarterbacks Carter Bradley and Tanner Mordecai were both waived with injury designations, believed to be ankle ailments from Saturday’s preseason finale.
Other moves ahead of Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline: defensive linemen Jaylon Allen and Shakel Brown were waived, running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn was released, and offensive tackle Isaiah Prince went on Injured Reserve.
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