A day after James Robinson finished a 23-17 loss to the New York Giants without recording a single touch, Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said the running back is dealing with knee problems.
“He has been dealing with some lower body issues,” Pederson said. “Mostly in his knees right now. … It’s just soreness, he was dealing with a bit in the game. I’m big about guys — I know they’re not going to be 100 percent in games, but I want them to be close, and I want them to not worry about it from a mental standpoint.”
Robinson, 24, hasn’t appeared on an injury report at all this year after his 2021 season ended early due to an Achilles tear. After scoring four touchdowns in the first three games of 2022, Robinson’s snaps have decreased and Travis Etienne Jr. has taken over in the Jaguars backfield.
While Pederson said Robinson isn’t 100 percent, the Jaguars coach has also talked about riding the hot hand. As of late, that has been Etienne, who has finished three straight games with over 100 yards from scrimmage.
“It goes back to how well Travis was playing at the time,” Pederson said of Robinson’s absence. “It’s nothing about James’ playing time, it’s not about James as a running back. I’ve got a lot of confidence in James. We’re going to continue to find ways to get him on the field.
“I feel like, as an offense, we are better when both of those guys are playing.”
Robinson had 1,837 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons and started the 2022 season with 230 yards and four total touchdowns through three games. In the last four weeks, Robinson has 30 carries for 110 yards.
