Jacksonville Jaguars should rest James Robinson against the Chicago Bears

The Jaguars should rest James Robinson in Week 16 against Chicago.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone has held running back James Robinson out of practice this week leading up to their match-up against the Chicago Bears. Robinson has been battling a bit of an ankle injury but thankfully it hasn’t been anything too serious.

It’s still unsure whether Robinson will play or not in Week 16. Marrone has said Robinson himself expects to play but judging by Marrone’s statements, it feels unlikely to happen. So, sorry about your fantasy team, but not really.

Robinson has been the workhorse of the Jaguars’ offense this season.

He’s rushed for 1,070 yards on 240 rushes for seven touchdowns as well 344 yards and three touchdowns receiving. He’s the third ranked running back in the league currently, which is an incredible feat considering he was signed as an undrafted free agent in the offseason.

Robinson probably feels like he still has to prove himself to doubters considering how poor this season has gone for Jacksonville. He’s a team player who just wants to show up for his teammates and keep the morale of the locker room strong. But the smart move here would be to rest Robinson for the rest of the season—which there are only two more games left. Why risk serious injury to your most valuable player on offense and very well the MVP of the entire team?

The Jaguars should split carries between backups Devine Ozigbo and Chris Thompson to finish out the season. Let them add some film to their resume for the new regime we can expect to take over in Jacksonville in 2021.