New Jets RB James Robinson says knee is fine, despite what Jaguars think
James Robinson #25 of the Jacksonville Jaguars scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Inglewood, California. Credit: Getty Images
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Running back James Robinson went through his first practice as a Jet and said he feels fine despite his former team saying knee soreness limited him on Sunday.
“I feel pretty good, I’ll tell you that,” said Robinson, whose knee was taped. “The communication was really not there and last Sunday I felt like I could play.”
The Jets acquired Robinson from Jacksonville for a conditional sixth-round pick after losing Breece Hall for the rest of the season with a torn ACL.
Robinson had been very productive his first two seasons with the Jaguars. He rushed for 1,070 yards as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2020. This season, they’ve made Travis Etienne more of a focal point, which led to a diminished role for Robinson.
He thought they would be a “one-two punch” for Jacksonville, but Robinson played just 12 snaps and had zero touches Sunday against the Giants. Afterward, coach Doug Pederson said Robinson’s knee was sore. He was traded the next day.
“They’re using my not feeling healthy as an excuse,” Robinson said.
“There’s going to be soreness, drainage in the knee,” he added. “That’s stuff I’ve be through already, there. I feel good now."
Robert Saleh said Robinson passed his physical and the Jets “feel comfortable where he’s at.” Saleh also said the Jets would take it slow with Robinson since he doesn’t know the playbook. The hope is Robinson plays some on Sunday, “but you never know,” Saleh said.
The Jets have Michael Carter and Ty Johnson and signed Bam Knight to the active roster so they have options at running back.
Robinson said he’s “not too familiar” with the system. The Jaguars ran some of the same things when he was a rookie, but this is his fourth different playbook in three years.
“Just keeping it simple for now really,” Robinson said. “It’s Week 8, so can’t really just dive into theirs and try to learn everything at once. Just learn the things that I can and do what I can to help the team.”
Faith in Zach
Saleh expressed confidence in Zach Wilson, who hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass in three consecutive games. The Jets have won all three with defense and a good ground game.
“We still have a lot of faith in Zach,” Saleh said. “For sure, you want to see dramatic improvement every week, but the other guys get paid, too. We’re not wavering on where he is. We still think he’s getting a lot better.”
Sauce honored
Rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording 10 tackles and three passes defensed against Denver. Quinnen Williams won last week, marking the first time a Jet has gotten the honor in back-to-back weeks.
Two-minute drill
John Franklin-Myers was sent home with an illness. … Jermaine Johnson (ankle) was limited. Saleh said Johnson has “a chance” to play Sunday after missing the last two games.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
