Commanders' rookie Robert Henry Jr. made a good first impression

Preseason game one was a big night for Washington Commanders rookie Robert Henry Jr.

Henry, an undrafted free agent running back out of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), was called upon to run the ball 12 times in his first NFL football experience on Friday. Henry made the most out of his opportunity, rushing for 75 yards and a touchdown.

“I feel great. Still much more to improve, but overall I feel great,” expressed Henry during the postgame press conference. “When I was watching film on the tablet during the game, there’s some runs I could have made bigger runs. There are some blocks I could have made better. But you know, I’m still progressing.” Henry’s first carry resulted in an 11-yard gain. It’s no surprise that following the game, when a reporter asked how long it took him to get comfortable out there, Henry responded he was confident/comfortable after the first run.

On the Commanders’ next offensive possession, Henry had a 15-yard run. Two plays later, Henry went around right end for 22 yards and his first NFL touchdown experience. The Commanders and Dolphins scrimmaged Wednesday, but Henry said he could recognize the difference Friday night at Northwest Stadium. “It felt great. The environment was different on the bigger stage. I just soaked it all in and gave it my all.”

Meet Robert Henry. Undrafted out of UTSA. Runs a 4.50 40-yard dash but he’s quick.

He’s got 57 yards and a TD on his first six carries of the preseason. pic.twitter.com/yQtVHwSmcU

— Grant Paulsen (@GrantPaulsen) August 15, 2026

Henry said his Commanders teammates encouraged him during the game, telling him to keep running hard and that he was going to bust one. “I took their words, kept running, and the holes were definitely opening up.”

The Commanders also provided Henry the opportunity to do some return work on Friday. “I’ve been doing returns since I was in high school. When I got to college, I did it too, but I was actually playing, so they would not put me back there. I’ve been working my whole football career. So when my name is called to go, I am ready.”

Henry had a great first game, yes, and next week will be another challenge, another opportunity for him, when the Commanders head to Detroit to play the Lions, Saturday, August 22 at Noon ET.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders’ rookie Robert Henry Jr. made a good first impression