The NFL games are getting more challenging for the running backs as following the release of the veteran RB Ezekiel Elliott from the Dallas Cowboys, the New England Patriots also decided to exclude their RB James Robinson just after three months of signing the deal.
Robinson went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft before getting picked by the Jacksonville Jaguars to replace Leonard Fournette and last played with Aaron Rodgers’ current team New York Jets after setting undrafted rookie rushing records three seasons ago with the Jaguars.
Patriots released RB James Robinson due to health reasons
The ex-Jets RB agreed to a two-year $4 million deal with the Patriots in March, albeit the journey couldn’t get longer as the team decided to part ways with the young star following their first minicamp practice at Gillette Stadium.
Update: The #Patriots have waived former #Jaguars, #Jets RB James Robinson, per @FieldYates
Robinson signed a 2-year, $4 million deal in free-agency. pic.twitter.com/6z6otCVOCU
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 12, 2023
New England’s staff reporter Evan Lazar said the 24-year-old was not present at Monday’s mandatory minicamp practice due to getting waived from the team and mentioned the RB’s ‘lack of explosiveness’ during the OTA practices as well as a severe Achilles injury.
The 24-year-old is now out of the Patriots running back room consisting of Rhamondre Stevenson, Ty Montgomery as well as Pierre Strong Jr. will be waiting to get claimed by another team, however, he will become a free agent again if no team claims him.
James Robinson began his career blazing
The former Jaguars player moonlighted as a hero as he recorded 1,414 yards from scrimmage in 2020, the most by an undrafted rookie in the history of the NFL as well as averaged 4.5 yards per carry, albeit his Jacksonville team was in 30th in terms of points scored.
James Robinson started his career on fire.
Undrafted in 2020, Robinson ran for over 1,000 yards and scored 10 total touchdowns in 14 games. He also caught 49 passes.
Unfortunately injuries took away from what was a more promising career.pic.twitter.com/NrMNTGwO7n
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 12, 2023
He was eyeing to start the next season in 2021 with another bang, albeit Urban Meyer stepped in to take over James’ spot, nevertheless, the RB managed to keep up his form by recording 767 yards on 164 rushes for an average of 4.7 yards per carry in that season before getting plagued by injuries in the next season.
The former Illinois State Redbird rushed for 85 yards throughout his four games in New York last season and amassed 2,879 yards from scrimmage with 23 touchdowns across 39 career games.
The short tenure of Robinson in New England highlights the unpredictable nature of the NFL and the ever-evolving landscape of the football world, however, the young star will hopefully find his new destination before the regular season starts.
