James Robinson feels like Jags benched him after fumble vs. Rams

Jaguars running back James Robinson candidly described his experience of being sidelined after fumbling against the Rams.

There were many takeaways from the 37-7 beatdown the Jacksonville Jaguars sustained from the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, but the biggest question might be the suspicious handling of running back James Robinson.

Many felt that the Jags benched the second-year running back after he fumbled on Jacksonville’s first drive while being tackled by defensive tackle Aaron Donald. It’s understandable why that conclusion might be drawn, as Robinson didn’t see the field for 20 more plays while the team played Carlos Hyde for the next few series.

With Robinson being such a valuable piece to the offense, the handling of his snaps was the top topic of discussion in the postgame press conference with coach Urban Meyer. And while Meyer veered away from labeling Robinson’s situation a benching by saying the personnel decisions fall on his assistants, he did point to the heel and knee injuries that Robinson was dealing with as potential reasons for his struggles.

However, on Monday night, fans found out that Robinson agrees with them when it comes to viewing his time on the sideline as a benching. In an appearance on “Jags Report Live” with Brent Martineau and Dan Hicken, Robinson spoke on the matter while handling himself like a true professional.

“I would say so,” Robinson said when asked by Martineau if he thought he was benched. “Obviously, like I said last week, [fumbling the ball] can’t happen, but when it happens and you are out for that long, you got to feel that way. I was just waiting my turn to get back in the game, and it didn’t really come until the third quarter.”

When considering how valuable Robinson is to the team, this definitely will concern fans. That’s especially the case when considering that players voiced opinions alleging mistreatment by the previous regime.

In Monday’s interview between Robinson, Martineau, and Hicken, it was also revealed that Robinson tried to take the field to give Hyde a breather at one point, but the staff elected to keep him on the sideline.

“I think Carlos wanted a breather,” Robinson said when asked about the attempts he made to get back on the field that the reporters witnessed. “And then I was going to run on the field and they just said ‘no, no, no’ or ‘never mind.’ He just ended up staying in there, but I’m not sure what’s going on there.”

As crazy as that exchange was, Robinson also seem puzzled by the Jags’ decision to keep him in the game late (when it was out of reach), which made little sense when considering injuries.

“I knew the game was over by that point,” Robinson said “I probably should’ve been resting. I’m not sure what the point of [having me in late] was.”

As seen above, those statements came several hours after Meyer once again had no answers as to why a player of Robinson’s caliber would be on the field that late in the game while dealing with two injuries. It’s a clear indication that something fishy is going on in the Jags’ facility, and fans have every right to be concerned.

Jaguars coach Urban Meyer explains James Robinson’s usage in loss to Rams

Meyer stressed that Robinson is not 100% but didn’t confirm or deny that he was benched after the fumble.

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Jacksonville’s offense had yet another anemic performance on Sunday, and in addition to the lack of efficacy from the passing game, it couldn’t get much going on the ground either. Running back James Robinson saw just eight carries for 24 yards and after an early fumble (his second lost fumble in the last two games) he was pulled for Carlos Hyde, who saw the bulk of the touches and snaps the rest of the way.

Hyde didn’t find much more success, taking nine carries for 24 yards. Though he did find the end zone, he also had a lost fumble of his own. After the game, coach Urban Meyer said that Robinson — who has been dealing with lingering knee and heel injuries that have limited him in practice — was not at 100% in Sunday’s game.

“He’s still not 100%,” Meyer said. “He’s not practicing during the week. James is as good a guy, a tough a guy, team player as you’ve got, that I’ve ever been around. Your heart bleeds for the guy just because he’s not able to do what he does well. He hasn’t been that way since Seattle. He’s not able to practice, but he wants to play, and he’s still a very good player. You’ve just got to take care of the ball.”

Meyer added that the coaching staff had decided that Robinson at less than 100% was still the best option and that if he wasn’t dealing with injuries, he would have re-entered the game following the fumble. However, Meyer shied away from stating explicitly whether Robinson’s removal from the game was a benching.

“You’d have to ask (running backs coach Bernie Parmalee),” he said. “I don’t get too involved. I don’t micromanage that. I know he’s been dinged up, so I don’t know if he’s back with the tent or what’s going on, but I know there’s injury involved.”

The lack of usage for the best offensive weapon currently available is a bit concerning, but it’s clear that at the very least, the injury seems to be holding Robinson back. Given the way that the passing game is playing, though, the Jags need Robinson back to full health soon if they have any hope of fixing their offensive woes.

Rapoport, Schefter provide updates on the status of Jags RB James Robinson vs. Rams

The arrow seems to be pointing up for James Robinson’s chances to play against the Rams.

Their were concerns about the Jacksonville Jaguars being without their No. 1 running back in James Robinson Sunday against Los Angeles as the second-year player was ruled questionable with heel and knee injuries on the final injury report Friday. However, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, there is a “realistic” chance for Robinson to suit up.

According to the sources of Rapoport, the assumption was that Robinson wouldn’t play, but he’s now feeling better than he previously did. As a result, the Jags will give him a look in a pre-game workout as they did against Indianapolis a few weeks back.

The Jags will be up against a defense with stars like defensive tackle Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, so any help they could get from Robinson would be welcomed. However, it’s a chance rushing yards won’t be easy to come by as the Rams defense is ninth against the rush, allowing a 104 yard average per game.

Robinson’s heel injury was sustained against the Seattle Seahawks Week 8. He missed Week 9’s game against Buffalo, but played Week 10 against the Colts. During that game, he also sustained a knee injury, but it wasn’t one that sidelined him the following weeks despite it being documented on the injury report.

Robinson currently has 654 rushing yards and seven touchdowns to his name this season. His rushing touchdown total leads the team by far with Trevor Lawrence behind him with two.

Update: Adam Schefter is reporting that Robinson plans to play, so it’ looks like the Jags could be expecting him to look at least good in the pre-game workout. Regardless, both reports are positive towards Robinson’s chances to play.

Report: Jags RB James Robinson expected to play vs. 49ers

The Jags are expected to have their top offensive weapon against the Niners, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense will be looking for a spark Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, and in the process of finding it, they should at least have their best weapon.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, running back James Robinson is expected to play Sunday after surfacing on the final injury report as questionable with heel and knee injuries. The news comes as he was able to practice as a limited participant Friday, though it doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll start (like last week).

Robinson has been dealing with his heel injury since Week 8 against the Seattle Seahawks after he was pushed out of bounds and took an awkward step as a result of trying to stop his momentum. As for the knee injury, it was one he sustained last week against Indianapolis, though he wasn’t taken out of the game.

While he only had 12 carries for 57 yards, Robinson was one of the Jags’ biggest sources of offense last week. He averaged 4.75 yards in the process and also was able to find the end zone in the second half.

This week, Robinson will be up against a tough Niners defense that ranks eighth overall. However, his impact could still be significant as they are 22nd against the rush.

PFF: Jags RB James Robinson has a league-high 90.5 rushing grade

When it comes to grading Robinson as a runner, no player has a better grade than the second-year star, according to PFF.

While many didn’t view the postseason as a possibility, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ current record of 2-7 wasn’t what they quite had in mind in terms of a goal for Week 11. However, there is time to turn things around and finish on a high note.

When looking at this team, one of the brightest spots has been James Robinson, who is establishing himself as one of the league’s top rushers. Unfortunately, a Week 8 heel injury somewhat stopped his momentum, but he was able to return to the field Week 10 against the Indianapolis Colts, and despite having a reduced role, his impact was once again felt as Robinson and Jamal Agnew scored both of the team’s touchdowns.

Ultimately, Robinson’s day wasn’t eye-popping on paper after registering 12 carries for 57 yards, but the Colts definitely felt his impact. The analytics crew over at Pro Football Focus also are very well aware of his impact, too, as they now have Robinson down with the top rushing grade in the NFL at the running back position.

Overall, Robinson has a 79.4 grade and has been very productive for the Jags when handed the ball with 100 carries for 539 yards (good for a 5.4 average) and six touchdowns to his name. Those figures simply explain why he’s the motor for the offense, and the further he is removed from his heel injury, the better things could become for the offense.

Regardless of what the Jags’ record is in the end, they certainly have the RB1 position checked off heading forward. And if he continues to ascend one would have to think that would also help rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence tremendously as he’s struggled in Robinson’s absence.

Report: Jags to make decision on James Robinson’s status after pre-game work out vs. Colts

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport provided an update on James Robinson’s status Sunday morning.

Just as he was last week, Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson will be a game-time decision. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the second-year running back will work out before Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. Then, once that’s completed, they will then decide on Robinson’s status.

Robinson was ruled questionable on the final injury report, and coach Urban Meyer said he was hoping to know about Robinson’s status after Friday’s practice or Saturday. However, it appears Robinson didn’t completely look comfortable whenever the Jags looked at him, though it may be an injury he can play through as Rapoport suggests.

Regardless of Robinson’s status, Meyer said the team had plans to utilize No. 2 running back Carlos Hyde alongside him. That indicated that Robinson likely wouldn’t be 100% from the injury, which he sustained Week 8 against the Seattle Seahawks after he was pushed out of bounds.

Hyde, who started last week, was able to accumulate 21 carries for 67 yards against the Buffalo Bills, which was good for a 3.2-yard average. Dare Ogunbowale was the No. 2 running back behind him and received a carry that only went for a yard.

With Robinson being the motor of the Jags’ defense, it would be huge to have him back, even if it’s on a limited basis. However, if the injury won’t allow him to focus on being at his best as he said on Thursday, holding him out one more week would be a smart decision.

Jaguars final injury report for Week 10: RB James Robinson questionable vs. Colts

As Urban Meyer said, James Robinson surfaced on the final injury report for Week 10 as questionable after he was a limited participant in practice Friday.

As expected, Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson (heel) was listed as questionable on the final injury report for Week 10’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. However, the good news is that no other players joined him in the status column.

Friday morning, Jags coach Urban Meyer provided the media with an update on Robinson, stating that the practice that followed his presser would be important for Robinson in terms of getting a read on his status. On Thursday, Robinson was limited and said he could still feel the injury when taking reps, but added that the team planned to monitor it on a day-to-day basis

If Friday marked a good day of practice for Robinson, it appears he’ll be able to go. However, Meyer said the team is expected to give Carlos Hyde reps alongside Robinson, so it seems like they won’t overwork the second-year rusher even if he can return.

The other big update that came from the injury report was the status of linebacker Myles Jack (knee). He didn’t practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but Meyer confirmed that he could’ve as the staff was choosing to be cautious with him. Jack was upgraded to full participation Friday and will play Sunday, giving the unit a player who is quite familiar with the Colts.

Offensive starters Cam Robinson (back) and Trevor Lawrence (ankle) were also upgraded to full participation after being limited on Wednesday and Thursday. Both sustained injuries last Sunday but were expected to play as their situations weren’t severe.

As for the Colts, cornerback Xavier Rhodes was ruled out and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was ruled questionable. Despite his injury, Buckner said he was confident he would play Sunday, but if he is unable to go it would be huge for the Jags.

Urban Meyer provides an update on James Robinson’s status as Jags prepare for Colts

Friday’s practice will be huge in terms of evaluating James Robinson’s status for Sunday’s game against Indy.

Heading into Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts, Urban Meyer views running back James Robinson as questionable as he continues to nurse a heel injury from Week 8. When asked about Robinson before practice Friday, Meyer said it was an important day to see where Robinson is in terms of being able to go Sunday.

“Questionable, today is an important day,” Meyer said to the media.

On Thursday, Robinson was limited and Meyer said the second-year player was able to take 12 snaps in the process. He also added that he was hoping that Robinson would make enough progress to avoid having to be tested on Sunday before the game, just as he was last Sunday before being ruled out.

“I hope not, I hope today is a good day or tomorrow,” Meyer said when asked if it would be a game-time decision type scenario.

Even if the Jags have Robinson, Meyer said they would mix in Carlos Hyde “for sure” in the rotation, which might mean Robinson’s role may not be as big as fans witnessed before his injury.

That would be a smart move on the Jags’ part, as Robinson is a valuable piece to the offense, who leads the team in touchdowns. When asked yesterday about how he felt during Thursday’s practice, he said he still felt a little pain when running, but was going to get treatment after practice. With that being the case, it appears Robinson is on a day-to-day timeline, which is why Meyer said Friday is an important day for his evaluation.

While the Jags need Robinson, and the offense has only put up 16 points since his injury, they need to be smart about this injury. And while they’ve struggled without him, it’s worth noting that the offense could’ve had a better day without him and missed out on a few key plays that should’ve resulted in touchdowns.

As we close in on the game, we’ll be sure to monitor this situation and provide some updates as the final injury report will be released later today, and more could come out on Robinson’s status late Saturday to early Sunday.

Jaguars Week 10 injury report: RB James Robinson upgraded to limited on Thursday

James Robinson returned to the practice field Thursday, although it was as a limited participant.

After sitting out of practice Wednesday, Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson (heel) was upgraded to limited participation on Thursday. This comes as coach Urban Meyer says he expects Robinson to play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts after he missed Week 9’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

Robinson has been dealing with his injury since the second quarter of Week 8’s game against the Seattle Seahawks on a play where he ran out of bounds and injured his foot trying to hit the brakes. When asked today by First Coast News about the injury, Robinson says the injury still hurts and didn’t want to go on the field if he wasn’t 100%.

Another player who was upgraded to limited Thursday was cornerback Chris Claybrooks, who sustained a concussion Sunday against the Bills during the first play of the third quarter in the process of a kickoff.

After taking Wednesday off to rest, defensive lineman Adam Gotsis also was upgraded and was a full participant Thursday.

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence (ankle) and left tackle Cam Robinson (back), who were the remaining two players on the injury report, remained limited participants. Both players sustained injuries Sunday, but are expected to play against the Indianapolis Colts.

As for the Colts, all of the players on their injury report had a change in status except cornerback Xavier Woods. More on their injury report can be viewed here.

Jaguars Week 9 injury report: James Robinson sits out again on Thursday, 3 others upgraded

Jaguars RB James Robinson wasn’t to take the field again on Thursday after missing Wednesday, too.

The Jacksonville Jaguars had multiple upgrades that occurred on their injury report, but running back James Robinson remained on the sideline as he did Wednesday. The second-year running back is dealing with a heel injury that he sustained Sunday against the Seahawks and coach Urban Meyer views him as questionable for now.

As for the upgrades, guard Ben Bartch (illness) was bumped up to full along with running back Carlos Hyde (calf). Then on defense, linebacker Dakota Allen (ankle) was bumped up to limited.

As for the Bills, receiver Emmanuel Sanders (shoulder) was a notable addition to the injury report. To get the full details on their situation, Bills Wire has the latest.