Bijan Robinson is not participating in his team’s practices — and for the same reason as one of his batchmates.
On Wednesday, The Athletic’s Josh Kendall revealed that the Atlanta Falcons running back was holding out of training camp:
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“Bijan Robinson’s absence today does not appear to be injury related. If you were wondering.”
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While neither Kendall nor head coach Kevin Stefanski would elaborate on the reason why, it is speculated to be related to a new contract. Robinson is entering the fourth year of his rookie deal and has proven his value to the Falcons, rushing for over 1,400 yards in his past two seasons and becoming a one-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler.
The situation is similar to that of Robinson’s 2023 batchmate Jahmyr Gibbs. The three-time Pro Bowler and one-time rushing touchdowns co-leader was reported to have held out of the Detroit Lions’ training camp also on Wednesday. It is also likely to be related to a new contract, although head coach Dan Campbell declined to address the issue when speaking to the media.
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Adam Schefter, Chad Johnson weigh in on Bijan Robinson’s holdout
In a related development, Adam Schefter had this bold take on Bijan Robinson‘s financial future on Wednesday’s episode of Pat McAfee’s eponymous show:
“I think (Robinson’s and Gibbs’ holdouts) absolutely play into each other. And my guess would be that Bijan goes first. … I think both of them, when they sign their deals — well, Bijan will probably become the highest-paid (running back) when that deal gets done. And then Gibbs will probably want to be right where Bijan is.”
Meanwhile, former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson said in an interview for USA Today:
“Stuff like this has to be hashed out the right way, and sometimes you sit out, like, you deserve it. I mean, it’ll work itself out, especially with a player of this magnitude; the market is what the market is.”
Robinson and the Falcons will have the Thursday off before resuming practice on Friday.
Edited by Andre Castillo