James Robinson says Jags were looking for excuse to hold him out in Week 7
James Robinson is the latest player who sounds pretty darn happy to be out of Jacksonville.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, the newly-acquired New York Jets running back contradicted something his former coach Doug Pederson said. Robinson said that he thinks Pederson, who cited “knee soreness” as the reason for Robinson’s absence in Week 7 against the New York Giants, was just trying to find an excuse to move away from him.
Robinson also mentioned a lack of communication from the coaching staff.
The 24-year-old Robinson signed with the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and developed into a difference-maker in the backfield. He rushed for 1,000 yards as a rookie and posted a strong 4.5 yards per carry with 18 total touchdowns over his first two seasons.
But Robinson tore his Achilles near the end of the 2021 campaign, paving the way for former first-round pick Travis Etienne Jr. to gradually overtake him. Etienne had his best game of the season in Week 7, getting the start and rushing for a career-high 114 yards and a touchdown.
It is possible that the Jaguars knew a Robinson trade was imminent before Week 7 and thus decided to subtly hold him out. But Robinson is obviously not pleased about the way that was communicated to him.
