The rookie running back, Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons is expected to make his debut against the Cincinnati Bengals, this Friday. The Falcons dominated the game against the Miami Dolphins, their preseason opener.
Robinson did not participate in Falcon’s first preseason game along with many key players. Their Head Coach, Arthur Smith, has taken a decision like this in the past as well.
Smith has also mentioned multiple times that the starters will play against the Bengals.
Falcons rookie RB Bijan Robinson to make preseason debut Friday vs. Bengalshttps://t.co/rJuxNH6XkJ pic.twitter.com/SlQ5VHzr45
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) August 14, 2023
Smith said, “We didn’t give him an opportunity last week because he’s going to play.
“We’re not going to go crazy. We just need the reps. We need to get our bread-and-butter concepts in there. … So, that’s what you’ll see: some of the basic stuff. We’ll get him going, so he can feel the speed, a little bit more speed than he’s felt out there at practice, and he’ll get tackled. We’ll get him ready to go for Sept. 10.”
The rookie running back, through this chance, will get some experience before the start of the regular season. For their regular season opener, the Falcons will host the Carolina Panthers.
Regarding this Robinson said, “My mindset is already made for the game.
“When I get on the field — like the energy (when) I just see the stadium, the stands, all the fans — I’m ready to go. I say my quick prayer, and I go out there and do what I gotta do.”
Robinson also said, “I’m really excited,”
“Shoot, even last week, it was super fun just to support my teammates and be the best teammate I can be.”
Smith also had great words for Robinson off the field, he said, “He’s a very mature person for a guy that has had a lot thrown at him, that has a lot of hype, a lot of celebrity.
“He’s handled it really well, better than most people.
“So this is another step for him. We’re not going to show everything with him. He just needs to get his feet wet.”
The rookie running back, Robinson had an amazing collegiate career at Texas. He was selected by the Falcons with the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
In 2020, Bijan earned the Alamo Bowl MVP with 10 rushes for 183 yards and a touchdown. In 2022, he was awarded the Doak Walker Award for the nation’s best running back.
The same year he was named a unanimous All-American.
