What to Know: Packers sign former 1,000 yard RB James Robinson
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers have signed former Jaguars and Jets running back James Robinson, according to Ian Rapoport.
At this time, it is unknown if Robinson was signed to the 53-man roster or added to the practice squad. Given that the Packers have an opening on the practice squad, it would make sense that he was signed there, but if added to the active roster, a corresponding cut of moving a player to IR would have to take place in order to make room for Robinson.
The 25-year-old Robinson was in for a workout with the Packers just two weeks ago.
Robinson, an undrafted rookie in 2020 from Illinois State, is a proven dual-threat running back. As a rookie with the Jaguars, he rushed for over 1,000 yards at a 4.5 yard clip with seven touchdowns. Through the air that season, Robinson caught 49 of his 56 targets at 7.0 yards per catch with three additional touchdowns.
In his second NFL season, Robinson suffered an Achilles injury late in the year after being on pace for another 1,000 yard season. Prior to the injury, Robinson averaged 4.7 yards per catch, had 31 receptions, and eight total touchdowns.
In 2022, he was traded to the New York Jets during the season. Between his time in Jacksonville and New York that year, Robinson averaged 3.9 yards per attempt on 110 rushes with 11 receptions and five total touchdowns. He was released by New York this past Spring.
Through five games this season, the Packers run game has really struggled to get going. As an offense, the Packers are averaging just 3.5 yards per rush, which ranks 25th. Getting Aaron Jones back will certainly help, but the real issue has been the play of the offensive line with running lanes not being available with any regularity.
These issues in the run game, and on early downs in general, have routinely put the offense behind the sticks and in predicatable passing situations, putting even more of a burden on the Packers’ already inconsistent and inexperienced passing game.
On the 53-man roster at running back is Jones, AJ Dillon, and Emanuel Wilson. After signing Patrick Taylor, who has primarily been Green Bay’s second running back this season with Jones out, to the active roster before the game against Las Vegas, the Packers would release him the following day. Along with having an opening on the practice squad, the Packers do not have a running back there either, with it looking like they have not fully moved on from Taylor.
Update: the Packers announced that Robinson was signed to the practice squad.