Arthur Smith explains Bijan Robinson’s lack of involvement

When the Falcons took the field for their first offensive drive against the Buccaneers in Week 7, running back Bijan Robinson was noticeably absent.

The rookie played a few snaps, but didn’t receive a single touch in the first half of Sunday’s win. Apparently, Robinson was fighting a severe headache and just wasn’t feeling well.

However, the Falcons gave Robinson one carry on their final offensive drive, which was an odd choice at the most critical point in the game if he wasn’t feeling well.

Falcons head coach Arthur Smith provided some clarity when talking with reporters on Monday. Apparently Robinson’s status is nothing to worry about and the team felt comfortable giving him his first carry in the fourth quarter.

“We never would have put him out there if we thought it could have been detrimental long-term,” Smith on Robinson’s involvement, per team reporter Terrin Waack.

Falcons head coach Arthur Smith explained the thought process behind limiting running back Bijan Robinson in yesterday’s game against the Buccaneers: “We never would have put him out there if we thought it could have been detrimental long-term.”

— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) October 23, 2023

As Ian Rapoport of NFL Network explains below, Smith found out that Robinson wasn’t feeling well and the team decided to limit his snaps. Late in the game, Robinson said he felt good enough to give it a shot.

From The Insiders on #NFLPlus: #Falcons RB Bijan Robinson, whose snaps were limited Sunday because he wasn’t feeling well, won’t be affected going forward. pic.twitter.com/yyF9p2DNOV

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 23, 2023

The rookie has no lingering issues and he should be back to a full workload in Week 8 when the Falcons take on the Titans in Tennessee.