Falcons coach: ‘Nothing there’ on Bijan inquiry

Michael Rothstein, ESPN Staff WriterOct 25, 2023, 12:50 PM ET
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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith says he hasn’t “given one second of thought” to the NFL’s inquiry into running back Bijan Robinson‘s injury status, injury reporting and usage Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

A source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday that the NFL had opened an inquiry into the Falcons after Robinson played 11 snaps, with only one carry for 3 yards, during Atlanta’s 16-13 win.

“You’re talking about sensationalized things,” Smith said Wednesday. “I understand outrage and drama sells. Guys, like, if you really understand how things really operate that there’s nothing, there’s nothing there.

“So I don’t know what, I haven’t given one second of thought about it.”

Smith said Robinson, who has 404 rushing yards and 189 receiving yards this season, will practice Wednesday. Smith also said he believes “everything is transparent.”

Robinson said after the game that he started “feeling weird” Saturday night and woke up Sunday still not feeling well, suffering from headaches. He was not administered a COVID-19 test or put through a concussion test.

He said he never considered sitting out against the Buccaneers. Robinson mostly played on passing plays and received zero targets.

After Sunday’s game, Smith said they wanted to be “cautious” with Robinson. Asked Wednesday if he had spoken to the league, Smith declined to answer, saying, “We’ll talk about the Tennessee Titans and the big game we’ve got going on.”