The NFL reportedly intends to “follow up” with the Falcons over the team’s failure to disclose the illness that sidelined Bijan Robinson for almost the entirety of the team’s Week 7 win over the Buccaneers, according to Pro Football Talk.
Robinson had an extremely limited role in the win on Sunday, logging just one carry during the game, which came during Atlanta’s game-winning field goal drive, one of the last plays of the game. Prior to that, Robinson had not received a touch and had only been on the field for a handful of plays.
The Falcons did not disclose any injury or illness prior to the game, but the young running back spoke to reporters after the win and explained that he’d been feeling unwell.
VIDEO: We heard that Bijan Robinson wasn't feeling well.
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) October 22, 2023
He told us postgame he was dealing with a bad headache. Arthur Smith didn't want to test it. Said he was feeling it last night as well. pic.twitter.com/qKLaETxo4c
The 21-year-old said his head had been hurting since the flight to Tampa Bay, and he woke up Sunday still feeling under the weather, prompting him to inform head coach Arthur Smith of his illness.
Of course, Robinson’s absence had a significant impact for fantasy football managers and sports bettors, given that there was not any information provided to fans that he’d be utilized so sparingly in Sunday’s game.
With the 2023 NFL Draft’s No. 8 pick sidelined for virtually all of Week 7, Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson took over rushing duties for Atlanta.
It’s unclear if the Falcons will face any discipline for not disclosing Robinson’s injury, though the report from Pro Football Talk indicates the league will at least be taking a look at the situation.
