The Green Bay Packers run-game has been non-existent through three weeks, ranking 30th in the NFL with 298 yards. In hopes of combating their struggles on the ground, the Packers hosted multiple running backs for a workout on Monday — including former 1,000-yard rusher James Robinson.
#Packers have worked out RB James Robinson (per @TomPelissero ) pic.twitter.com/ZQD0ZkuJWx
— Packers Diehards (@PackersDiehards) October 2, 2023
Undrafted in 2020 out of Illinois State, Robinson burst onto the scene as a rookie with the Jaguars. His 1,414 total yards that season are the most by an undrafted rookie in NFL history. A torn Achilles suffered the following season has since unraveled Robinson's promising career.
After being supplanted by Travis Etienne on the Jaguars depth chart, Jacksonville traded Robinson to the New York Jets last October, where he averaged just 2.9 YPC in four games. Robinson went on to sign with the New England Patriots this past offseason but was released before the start of training camp.
Robinson reemerged with the New York Giants in the preseason, leading all rushers with 74 yards. Ultimately, it wasn't enough to earn him a spot on the 53-man roster. He has since had workouts with the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens.
At this point of his career, Robinson almost certainly isn't the be-all and end-all answer to Green Bay's rushing woes. Yet, now approximately 650 days removed from his Achilles injury, the 25-year-old Robinson is a low-risk option worth taking a flyer on.
Green Bay was a surprise bidder in the Jonathan Taylor sweepstakes before the beginning of the season. Their backfield's play throughout the first four games of this year showcases why.
The Packers RB duo of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon was rated the #1 runningback in the NFL preseason by Bleacher Report
— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) October 3, 2023
Now the Packers rank 30th in rushing
Who is to blame? NEW PODCAST⚡️https://t.co/LhHvOGMr4I pic.twitter.com/NVienCADdp
AJ Dillon's 2.7 YPC is tied for worst in the NFL among running backs with at least 31 rushing attempts. Aaron Jones, who missed two games with a hamstring injury, returned to action in Week 4 to lead the Packers with just 18 yards on five attempts.
With Taylor eligible to return from the PUP list this week and expected to practice on Wednesday, don't be surprised if Green Bay reinitiates trade discussions for the Colts running back — regardless if they sign Robinson or not.
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