Falcons limit Robinson’s role in win over Bucs due to illness

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson said he was kept out for the majority of Sunday’s 16-13 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers because of an illness.

“I woke up (last night) just completely out of it. I tried to take medicine so I could be good for the game,” Robinson said, according to team reporter Terrin Waack. “But my head was hurting – bad. I don’t know what was going on. I tried to go in pregame, but then coach (Arthur) Smith said, ‘We’ll be all right. Let’s get you right.'”

Robinson was given just one carry late in the fourth quarter.

The rookie running back said he appreciated his head coach looking out for him.

“I don’t care what I’m going through, I’m going to push through,” Robinson said. “But at the same time, I know it’s a long season. I know that coach Smith has the best interest at heart for me.

“Knowing when he has a plan and we have a plan, I’m going to go with it and not bother with it. I’ll be good next week.”

Atlanta turned to Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson, who combined for 111 yards on 31 carries. Quarterback Desmond Ridder had a rushing touchdown.

Robinson, the No. 8 pick in the draft, has produced 401 rushing yards and 189 receiving yards this season. He has yet to run for a touchdown but has caught two scores.