The NFL playoffs have a way of turning every minor bruise into a national mystery, and right now, everyone is asking the same thing: is Brian Robinson playing today?
Honestly, the answer depends entirely on which Brian Robinson you're looking for because the league currently has two significant players with that name—one a hard-hitting running back for the San Francisco 49ers and the other a standout for the Washington Commanders. Since the Commanders finished their season with a 5-12 record and aren't in the postseason, the Brian Robinson Jr. everyone is buzzing about today is the 49ers' physical back who has become a key piece of their rotation.
The short answer? Yes, Brian Robinson Jr. is active and expected to play today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, in the NFC Divisional Round matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. ## Why Brian Robinson's status matters for the 49ers
If you've been following the Niners lately, you know it's usually the Christian McCaffrey show. But Robinson has carved out a very specific, blue-collar role in this offense. He isn't there to break off 80-yard runs. He's there to be the hammer.
During the regular season, Robinson appeared in all 17 games. He put up roughly 400 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Those aren't "fantasy superstar" numbers, but in a playoff game at Lumen Field in Seattle—where the noise is deafening and the weather is often miserable—having a "change-of-pace" back who can grind out four yards on 3rd-and-2 is gold.
Earlier this month, in the regular-season finale against these same Seahawks, Robinson only saw two carries. The team was playing catch-up, which meant more CMC and more passing. However, in the Divisional Round, the game plan usually resets. If the 49ers get an early lead, expect a heavy dose of Robinson to kill the clock and punish the Seattle front seven.
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The injury report and the "99%" factor
There was a bit of a scare earlier in the week when fans saw various "Brian Robinson" tags on injury reports. You've gotta remember that Brian Robinson Jr. (the former Commanders starter) moved to San Francisco this past year. Some older tracking sites still list him with Washington, which creates a massive amount of confusion for fans trying to check the official "Commanders Injury Report."
Let's clear the air:
- The Status: He is NOT on the 49ers' final injury report.
- The Probability: Most injury models and beat reporters, including those from USA TODAY, have him at a near 100% chance to play.
- The Role: He will be the primary backup to McCaffrey.
He’s healthy. He’s rested. He’s ready.
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What to expect from the 49ers vs. Seahawks matchup
This is a massive divisional rivalry game. Seattle is the #1 seed, coming off a bye, while San Francisco is the #6 seed looking to pull off the upset.
Seattle’s defense has been stingy, but they can be vulnerable to physical, downhill running. This is exactly where Robinson comes in. While the Seahawks focus their entire defensive scheme on stopping Christian McCaffrey and Brock Purdy’s intermediate passing game, Robinson often slips through for meaningful gains when the defense is tired in the late third quarter.
Basically, if you see number 41 (or whatever jersey he's sporting in your specific broadcast) checking in, it means Kyle Shanahan wants to get physical.
Actionable steps for fans and bettors
If you're watching the game today or looking at player props, keep these specific points in mind to stay ahead of the curve:
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- Monitor the weather in Seattle: If it’s raining or windy at Lumen Field, the 49ers will lean much harder on the run game. This increases Robinson's "touches" floor significantly.
- Check the "Active/Inactive" list: This is released exactly 90 minutes before the 8:00 PM ET kickoff. While all signs point to him playing, always verify the official list from the 49ers' PR account on X (formerly Twitter).
- Watch the first two drives: Pay attention to how the 49ers use their rotations. If Robinson gets a carry in the first quarter, it’s a sign that Shanahan trusts the matchup and he’ll be a factor throughout the night.
- Ignore the Washington news: If you see headlines about "Brian Robinson ruled out," double-check the date and team. Most of those are old articles from 2024 or 2025 when he was dealing with hamstring issues in D.C.
The game kicks off tonight at 8:00 PM ET on FOX. It’s going to be loud, it’s going to be cold, and Brian Robinson Jr. is going to be right in the middle of it.