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The NFL is looking into the Falcons’ failure to report rookie running back Bijan Robinson’s illness before their game against the Buccaneers.
Robinson disclosed that he had been feeling unwell since Saturday night, raising questions about why the Falcons didn’t inform fans about his condition.
On Sunday, the Falcons frustrated gamblers and fantasy football players across the country by using Robinson sparingly, with only 11 snaps and one touch. Robinson had played 6 snaps with 0 touches in the first half, as fans lost it on social media. What added to the frustration was the lack of information regarding Robinson’s health, as no one knew why.
Robinson’s own account makes it clear that his illness wasn’t sudden. He described feeling “weird” on Saturday night and completely unwell by Sunday morning.
The Falcons had an opportunity to label him as “questionable” due to illness, which would have alerted the Buccaneers and NFL fans to the possibility that Robinson might not play or would have reduced playing time.
This information could have allowed fantasy players and bettors to make more informed decisions.
The league has informed Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk that they will “follow up with the club.” It’s essential for the NFL to address such situations and create a strong disincentive for teams to withhold information.
Will the Falcons be fined for their (lack of) actions? we’ll see.