The Jacksonville Jaguars could get reinforcements on the offensive line for Week 17. With two games left in the 2023 season, they plan to activate left tackle Cam Robinson from Injured Reserve. Robinson originally landed on IR after suffering a knee injury in the win over the Houston Texans in Week 11.
Update: The Jags have announced they've placed Robinson on the Reserve/Injured, Designated to Return List.
We have placed OL Cam Robinson on the Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return List.
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 27, 2023
At the time, head coach Doug Pederson expressed optimism about Robinson returning this season. Fast forward to Week 17, and Pederson confirmed that they'll open his window to return from IR, "This is the week, we can open his window," Pederson said in his media availability session Tuesday. "We'll get him back on the practice field tomorrow."
Robinson, a second-round pick in the 2017 draft, served a four-game suspension to start the 2023 season. He returned to the lineup in Week 5 and appeared in seven games before he suffered the knee injury.
On 248 pass-blocking snaps this season, Robinson gave up 10 total pressures and three sacks while posting a Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade of 79.6. With that in mind, here are three observations from Cam Robinson's incoming return.
3. Walker Little returns to the sidelines, without a clear role
When Cam Robinson has been unavailable this season, Walke Little has filled in for him at left tackle. During his exchange with the media, Pederson said that Little be the swing tackle for the time being, but didn't rule out the possibility of bumping him back to left guard.
"We'll see we'll see where he's at. He's sore right now too. As you saw, we've got some opportunities, whether he's the left guard or Ezra [Cleveland] or Tyler Shatley moving forward but if need be, Walker and Blake Hance can be those to be those two [backup] tackles."
Little began the season at left tackle, playing 275 pass-blocking snaps and allowing five total pressures along with one sack. When Robinson returned, he moved to left guard to provide stability at the position. The Jags plugged Little back in at left tackle when they placed Robinson on IR.
A second-round pick in 2021, Little hasn't had a defined role the past three seasons, and has mostly been used as a swing tackle. While he's shown promise when called upon, it's uncertain what the team's long-term plan for him is. In the meantime, the former Stanford Cardinal provides insurance in case either Robinson or right tackle Anton Harrison sustains an injury the remainder of the season.
2. Cam Robinson could give the Jaguars a much-needed spark
Losing Cam Robinson to a four-game suspension stung because he's become a leader on the offensive line. While he's not a Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle, he's pretty good in the run blocking department and his feisty attitude sets the tone in the trenches. Doug Pederson, for one, is eager to have the Alabama standout back in the fold.
"Cam brings a level of physicality, he brings some excitement, and enthusiasm to O-line, so we're something we're looking forward to," Pederson said.
The Jaguars couldn't get Robinson back at a much better time, having lost four games in a row. Although they remain in first place in the AFC South, they're at risk of falling behind the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts and missing the playoffs. There are many reasons behind the Jags' recent struggles, but their inability to protect Trevor Lawrence and open lanes in the running game are couple of them.
Robinson's return could improve both areas. Moreover, Jacksonville is getting a leader in the offensive trenches, someone who can push his teammates to execute. During the team's recent four-skid, the offensive line has given up 75 total pressures and the running game has averaged 60 yards per game.
That lack of production starts up front, and if the Jaguars want to finish the season on a strong note, they'll need to improve. Having Cam Robinson back in the fold can most definitely help.
1. Cam Robinson while have a chance to rise his stock for 2024
Back in 2022, the Jaguars gave Cam Robinson a three-year deal worth $54 million because of his impact on and off the field. However, the guarantees on his contract were wiped out when he was suspended for violations to the league's performance-enhancing drug policy in the offseason.
Now, Robinson is set to make $22.75 million next year but the Jags could free up $17.75 million if they release him or trade him. With Walker Little in the mix, moving on from Robinson in 2024 seemed reasonable. However, Robinson will have the chance to make his case to remain in Jacksonville beyond this season.
If Robinson ends up helping the Jags get back on track, parting ways with him won't look as easy as originally thought. Why cut ties with a player who's making a difference on and off the field? Worst case, he would give the team's brass something to ponder on.
On the other hand, if the Jags have already made up their mind, or at least are open to the possibility of releasing the veteran tackle, they also benefit from phim playing at a high level. After all, good left tackles are a hot commodity in the NFL. Given that the demand outweighs the supply, Robinson could attract several suitors and ultimately net the Jags a third, or even a second-round pick.
Of course, this will only happen if Robinson does play at a high level and proves to be a difference-maker in the last two games of the season and a potential playoff run. For the moment, he's return should provide a spark up front.