Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson was carted out of last Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets with what was then believed to be a serious lower-body injury. Adam Schefter has now confirmed that the Jacksonville Jaguars running back has suffered a torn Achilles tendon. Among the worst lower-leg injuries a player can suffer, the injury will not only end his 2021 season but may impact him beyond that. For Robinson, a former undrafted free agent turned rookie standout, the timing of this injury could not have been worse.
Jacksonville Jaguars James Robinson Season Over After Achilles Tendon Tear
Loss of a Standout Player
During a season full of turmoil and controversy for Jacksonville, Robinson has been one of the lone bright spots. Like a year ago, James Robinson emerged as the team’s lead back despite the other talent on the roster. A prime example of why a team should not spend a high draft pick on a running back, Robinson has been everything the team could have asked for and more. This is ironic considering Jacksonville had spent a first-round pick on running back Travis Etienne this past off-season, who has been out the season with a foot injury.
James Robinson Masked Offensive Woes
On the season, Robinson has recorded 164 carries for 767 yards and eight touchdowns. His 4.7 yards per carry is even higher than from a year ago, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns. Robinson has also registered 31 receptions for 222 yards in the passing game, averaging just over seven yards per catch. Although he has fumbled three times with a catch rate that dropped 14.3%, he remained arguably the offense’s most talented player when he stepped onto the field. Thanks to his injury, Robinson will fall 11 yards shy of eclipsing 1,000 yards from scrimmage for the second straight season.
Regardless, Robinson’s absence will only further expose how inept the Jacksonville Jaguars offense is. Already, the team was without Etienne and top receiver D.J. Chark. By adding Robinson to that list, it leaves rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence with Dare Ogunbowale as the lead back for the remainder of the 2021 NFL season.
James Robinson Unknown Future
It goes without saying that suffering an injury of this magnitude at the end of the season is horrific timing. Due to the timing and nature of the Achilles tear, chances are James Robinson’s availability for the 2022 season is in question. For the Jaguars, the team will look to a healthy Etienne to take over the backfield. However, for Robinson, a former undrafted free agent whose third year in the NFL is in question, who knows what his future may hold upon his eventual return.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
