Bijan Robinson injury update: Latest on Falcons RB for Fantasy Football Week 8

Bijan Robinson entered the 2023 NFL season as one of the most hyped rookie running backs in recent years, especially in fantasy football. He has responded with fairly solid production, ranking among the top 22 running backs in each of the first six weeks, including two top 11 finishes. That streak ended last week due to an apparent illness prior to his Week 7 game.

No news of the ailment was released before kickoff, but many around the NFL became skeptical that something was wrong when he wasn't used at all during the game. It was later announced that he wasn't feeling well, and while he suited up, he remained on the bench for pretty much the entire game. This puts his Week 8 status potentially in jeopardy.

Bijan Robinson injury update

Bijan Robinson

During a meeting with the media on Monday morning on the day following the Atlanta Falcons' Week 8 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head coach Arthur Smith announced that Bijan Robinson will "be fine" as he is simply recovering from an illness. He also claimed that they were aware of the issue prior to kickoff but felt he was feeling well enough to suit up at least.

While Robinson didn't enter the game until the Falcons' final offensive drive, him being able to do so should be encouraging for fantasy managers seeking to use him in their lineups this week. His practice activity this weekend and his potential listing on the official injury report will give managers a better idea about his Week 8 availability against the Tennessee Titans.

What happened to Bijan Robinson?

The rookie running back was not listed on the Falcons' injury report ahead of their Week 7 game against the Buccaneers. Robinson gave his own account of what happened during a press conference immediately following the contest.

According to ESPN's Michael Rothstein:

"Robinson said after the game that he was suffering from headaches and began "feeling weird" Saturday night. He struggled to sleep and woke up Sunday "feeling completely out of it." He took medicine to try and feel better, but his head continued to hurt."

The mystery illness allegedly intensifying as kickoff got closer could explain why he was never listed on the injury report. He briefly entered the game late in the fourth quarter, rushing the ball just once for three yards. In his absence, Cordarrelle Patterson and Tyler Allgeier saw an increase in usage.

When will Bijan Robinson return?

Being that his inactivity in Week 7 was due to an apparent illness, it would seem likely that he will be available to play again in Week 8. Whether or not he receives an official designation on the Falcons' injury report will be a telling sign as to where he currently stands.

Managers with Robinson on their rosters should monitor his activity at practice this week before plugging him back into their lineups. There seems to be a good chance he will be available, especially considering he was able to briefly enter the game against the Buccaneers last week.