Just 26 days are left until the New Orleans Saints officially kick off their 2024 season. And one player to take note of within the running back corps is James Robinson, who the Saints added to the practice squad for the last three games of the 2023 season.
Here’s everything to know about Robinson, who wears the No. 26 for the Saints:
- Name (Age): James Robinson (26)
- Position: Running back
- Height, weight: 5-foot-9, 219 pounds
- Relative Athletic Score: 7.85
- 2024 salary cap hit: $1,055,000
- College: Illinois State
- Drafted: Undrafted in 2020 (Jacksonville Jaguars)
- NFL experience: 6th season
Robinson certainly isn’t one of the Saints’ premier running backs, but he is a player who could prove a true diamond in the rough for the 2024 season. Robinson originally began his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois State in 2020.
He far exceeded the expectations, shocking many when he earned a roster spot and was a starter in the Jags backfield on opening day. Robinson only expounded upon the opportunity presented to him, taking full advantage en route to recording 1,070 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground on 240 carries, leading the team in rushing.
He once again led the team in that category the following season, though his numbers weren’t quite as strong with a total of 767 rushing yards.
Robinson’s success dwindled from that point, largely a result of the injury bug, after he was traded by Jacksonville to the New York Jets roughly halfway through the 2022 season.
Between the Jets and the Packers in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Robinson saw action in just five games, amassing 87 rushing yards on 30 carries.
He’ll look to get back to his former level of play and stay healthy in New Orleans, looking to serve as a depth piece who could become more as he primarily battles Jamaal Williams, Jordan Mims, and Kendre Miller behind Alvin Kamara.
