A devastating torn Achilles injury put an end to Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson’s season last year, but there are now reports that indicate that he is far ahead of schedule in his recovery process.
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson discussed Robinson’s progress this offseason with the injury, revealing that he has recently started participating in team drills.
This is great news, but it is even better news that Pederson said that the team expects him to play in their Week 1 game against the Washington Commanders.
#Jaguars HC Doug Pederson said they are expecting RB James Robinson to be ready for Week 1 vs. Washington. They will be cautious and smart with him, but he’s on track.
Robinson, who tore his Achilles in Week 16 of last season, recently started participating in team drills.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 18, 2022
Considering he tore his Achilles nearly eight months ago, many are shocked to see how quickly Robinson has been able to recover from an injury that has often been a career-ending one for running backs in the past.
7ish months after an Achilles tear. Shouldn’t even be possible 🤯. https://t.co/juZ7gSsp2D
— Papa G (@AlbrightGav) August 18, 2022
#Jaguars RB James Robinson is the second RB to challenge typical RTP for an Achilles tear. You love to see it! I expect him to get better as the season goes. https://t.co/yXO3fV1Vaw
— Mario Pilato (@mario_pilato) August 18, 2022
Man, all these guys having crazy recoveries.. (Except Washington players) https://t.co/UNoOeyfR3P
— Kareem (@Kareem_is_it) August 18, 2022
Really impressive recovery from James Robinson if he ends up playing Week 1. Just eight months since Achilles tear. https://t.co/vjcMq2g2p1
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) August 18, 2022
Robinson entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2020 with the Jaguars but quickly established himself as the starting running back that can be relied upon for the team.
With the expected emergence of second-year running back Travis Etienne this season, it seems like there will be a running back by committee approach for the organization moving forward.
That being said, Robinson has shown that he can be extremely productive when given the chance, rushing for over 1,000 yards in his rookie season as the team’s unquestioned starter.
Jacksonville certainly had their struggles in Trevor Lawrence’s first year as the franchise quarterback last year, but this news should certainly help their chances of improving on their 3-14 record from a year ago.
