Jaguars RB James Robinson takes huge step in recovery

Running back James Robinson was one of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ few bright spots on offense in 2021 before a torn Achilles cut his season short. The former Illinois State Redbird has spent the offseason working on getting back and took a big step Wednesday, Day 13 of training camp.

Robinson had a handful of carries in 11-on-11 contact drills. Although he was wearing a non-contact red jersey, it was yet another sign that he should be back early in the regular season. Maybe not for Week 1 but early nonetheless. Before practice, Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor met with the local media and talked about Robinson’s rehab and potential return.

Taylor says the Jaguars “will continue to work with whatever they tell us” and added that Robinson would be limited in practice.

"He’s not allowed in contact periods, but he can do everything else or can be in this period. They give us the ideal timeline and things like that. But right now, we just continue to work day by day with him and whenever he’s ready, we’ll use him the best we can."

Just a few days ago, Robinson partook in 7-on-7 drills, so it’s fair to say that his recovery is going well. Last season, he appeared in 14 games with 13 starts and toted the rock 164 times for eight touchdowns. The year before, he totaled 1,414 yards from scrimmage, the most by an undrafted rookie in NFL history. Here’s Taylor’s exchange with the media. He discusses Robinson’s status at the 14:16 mark.

James Robinson can give the Jaguars offense a boost once he returns

Taylor is right not to commit to a date when it comes to Robinson’s recovery. So far, the running back hasn’t had any setbacks but there aren’t any guarantees he won’t. It’s great to hear that he’s steadily getting closer to returning but the Jaguars’ brass doesn’t need to rush his recovery with Travis Etienne in the fold.

Etienne has shined in training back and hasn’t had any setbacks in his recovery from the Lisfranc injury he suffered in the 2021 preseason and will carry the load while Robinson recovers. He made his preseason debut against the Browns and logged a 12-yard carry. He was also targeted three times and caught one pass for ten yards.

Robinson showed last year that his rookie season was no fluke. Once he’s healthy, whenever that is, he will join sophomore Travis Etienne in the backfield and form a dynamic tandem.