FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons’ handling of Bijan Robinson’s sickness/headache before the Tampa Bay game Sunday caught the attention of the NFL, which is looking into the matter.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith downplayed the inquiry per the league’s injury reporting rules and said there is “nothing to it.”
“If you guys really understand how things operate,” Smith said Wednesday. “I understand outrage and drama sells. ... If you really knew how things really operate, there is nothing. Like nothing there. I don’t know what … haven’t given one second of thought about it.”
Smith was asked if he talked to the league about the matter.
“We’ll talk about the Tennessee Titans, the big game we’ve got going on,” Smith said. “I’m not … you can ask about rumors, innuendos, sensationalize stories. We can talk about climate change? What are your thoughts on climate change? Want to talk about world politics, we can do that, too. I’m sure you’ve got an opinion. Let’s talk about the Titans. Talk about the Falcons. Talk about football.”
Teams have been fined in recent years for violating the league’s injury reporting rules.
“You’ve got to do your job,” Smith said. “Everything you do is 2023. Everything is transparent. If you want to believe it or not, everything is transparent. Just look around the world.”
Robinson, who was a full participant in practice Wednesday, was asked if they discussed whether he would be active for the Bucs game.
“We were just trying to feel it out,” Robinson said. “That’s all I’m going to say on that because I know it’s a big situation from that game.”
Robinson said he had some sickness and a headache Saturday night.
“I’m good,” Robinson said. “I know what we were talking about on Sunday, but I’m good. Just focused on Tennessee and just getting ready to go.”
Robinson started feeling better Monday.
“It was tough, but it’s all good,” Robinson said. “I’m all good now. It was something that I was going through. It’s what happens sometimes. I’m all good now.”
Robinson said he didn’t have a history of migraine headaches and that the health issue came out of nowhere.
Robinson played only 11 offensive snaps and had a carry for 3 yards in the win over the Bucs. Smith told Fox at halftime that Robinson was not “feeling well.” Robinson was set to practice Wednesday.
“He’ll practice just like he did every day, like he has all season,” Smith said. “I don’t think he’s missed a practice.”
It was not clear if the league made calls, interviewed Smith or Robinson or requested any cellphone records.
“Inquiries are a subjective comment, but it’s good for your business,” Smith said. “Nothing to it.”
In 2019, the league fined the Steelers $75,000 and coach Mike Tomlin $25,000 for violating the injury-report policy in a matter involving quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
The Steelers did not accurately list Roethlisberger on the practice report for a Week 2 game against Seattle. Roethlisberger left the game with an injured right elbow. He had surgery and missed the rest of the season.
Roethlisberger missed a day of practice, and it was deceptively listed as “not injury related.”
In November 2018, the Dolphins were fined $30,000 and coach Adam Gase $15,000 for violating the injury reporting policy. The Dolphins listed quarterback Ryan Tannehill as a full practice participant when he split time with backup quarterback Brock Osweiler.
Tannehill also was listed as questionable when he was deemed doubtful.
In October 2018, the Raiders were fined $20,000 for violating the injury reporting rules.
Guard Kelechi Osemele, who had a knee injury, did not travel with the team and should have been downgraded from questionable to out.
In January 2020, the league looked into whether the Bills violated the injury reporting rules after defensive end Jerry Hughes wrote about having torn wrist ligaments on social media.
He played with the injuries and never appeared on the injury report.
The NFL ruled that the Bills did not violate the league policy.
The NFL’s policy on reporting injuries, in part, reads: “If any player has a significant or noteworthy injury, it must be listed on the practice report, even if he fully participates in practice and the team expects that he will play in the team’s next game. This is especially important for key players whose injuries may be covered extensively by the media.”
Also in the policy: “The policy requires that teams provide credible, accurate and specific information about injured players to the league office, their opponents, local and national media, and the league’s broadcast partners each week during the regular season and postseason. The reporting process is of paramount importance in maintaining the integrity of the game.”
Robinson’s playing time was reduced from the 61% to 81% range over the first six games to 17% against the Bucs. That likely caught the league’s attention.
Robinson played 33 of 52 offensive snaps (63%) against Carolina in the season opener. He played 59 of 82 (79%) against the Packers, 54 of 67 snaps (81%) against Detroit, 44 of 58 (76%) against Jacksonville, 47 of 77 (61%) against Houston and 65 of 83 (77%) against Washington.
Robinson, who was the eighth overall pick in the 2023 draft, has rushed 81 times for 404 yards. He also has 26 receptions for 189 yards and two touchdowns.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
