The NFL Is Looking Into The Falcons' Situation With Bijan Robinson
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 11: Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Falcons frustrated fans by barely playing Bijan Robinson on Sunday. It wasn't until halftime that they disclosed the star rookie back wasn't feeling well.
Robinson said after the game that he was "feeling weird" on Saturday night. That could have given Atlanta time to disclose his condition, but he wasn't listed on the pre-game injury report.
According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, the NFL will "follow up" with the Falcons on their handling of the situation.
Robinson, who was averaging 17.7 touches per game before Week 7, touched the ball once (a three-yard run) on 11 snaps in Sunday's 16-13 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Confused bettors and fantasy football managers panicked on social media before learning any explanation for his disappearance.
DraftKings Sportsbook refunded all wagers involving Robinson.
ESPN reported that the Falcons "believed Robinson always was going to play the game." The 21-year-old wasn't tested for a concussion or COVID-19.
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, head coach Arthur Smith found out early in the game that Robinson wasn't feeling well. Robinson's post-game comments didn't contradict that timetable.
"I was trying to see how I was going to feel on the field, and I was just going down," Robinson told reporters after the game. "So I talked to Coach Smith."
ESPN's Adam Schefter said it's "standard practice" for the league to investigate when a player sits or plays far less than usual without getting placed on the injury report. Violations can result in a fine.
The Falcons don't expect Robinson's migraines to sideline him in Week 8's game against the Tennessee Titans.
