'Nothing There!' Atlanta Falcons Coach Arthur Smith Talks Bijan Robinson NFL Investigation
The Atlanta Falcons made headlines earlier this week when reports surfaced of questioning by the NFL regarding rookie running back Bijan Robinson's lack of usage in Sunday's 16-13 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Robinson, the No. 8 overall pick in April's draft, is Atlanta's leading rusher with 404 yards on the ground and entered last week's game tied for the team lead in receptions, serving as the dynamic two-way threat many anticipated he'd be.
But against Tampa Bay, the 21-year-old played only 11 total snaps and saw just one carry for three yards, coming on Atlanta's penultimate offensive play.
After the game, Falcons coach Arthur Smith revealed Robinson wasn't feeling well. Robinson said he was battling a bad headache and tried to take medicine but couldn't shake it.
Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith and running back Bijan Robinson came under fire for the latter's lack of play time against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Clutchpoints
This prompted the NFL to ask injury report compliance questions to the Falcons earlier this week, per ESPN, including when the team knew Robinson wasn't healthy and why it wasn't reported as league policy requires.
The allegations come across as serious, but Smith shared during his press conference Wednesday that he's entirely unconcerned about the situation.
"I understand outrage and drama sells," Smith said. "But guys, if you really understand how things really operate, there's nothing there. I haven't given one second of thought."
Smith added there's transparency with everything in 2023 and that Robinson will return to practice Wednesday.
Robinson mentioned after Sunday's win that he and Smith spoke pre-game about getting ready for this week's game against the Tennessee Titans, and the former University of Texas star planned on being good to go.
And now, it appears the Falcons are also good to go in terms of the NFL's investigation of how Robinson's absence was handled.
Atlanta, with Robinson poised to re-join the mix, will kick off at 1 p.m. EST Sunday against Tennessee inside Nissan Stadium.
