Falcons Facing Bijan Robinson Decision After Concerning Update

Mark J&period; Rebilas-Imagn Images

Falcons Facing Bijan Robinson Decision After Concerning Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 28, 2026 6:47 PM ET

Bijan Robinson has taken another step forward in his fourth NFL season. The 24-year-old two-time Pro Bowler leads the entire NFL in rushing yards at 704 and is well on his way to a career high.

The production is not just a volume story. Robinson is averaging 5.4 yards per carry, the most efficient mark of his career. He has rushed for four touchdowns and added another through the air as a receiver.

The Falcons are 3-4, and they would likely be much worse without him on the field for nearly every snap. He is firmly in the conversation for the best running back in the NFL.

Brett Davis - Imagn Images

His workload expanded this past Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Robinson rushed 20 times for 63 yards and caught all five of his targets for 59 more yards. He was involved on virtually every meaningful offensive play.

The reason his workload ballooned is worth noting. Atlanta was without backup running back Brian Robinson Jr., who missed the game with a hamstring injury. Robinson Jr. has not made progress since then.

The Falcons practiced Wednesday, and he was again unable to return, putting his status for Week 8 in doubt.

CB Avieon Terrell & WR Olamide Zaccheaus are at Falcons practice today.

I don’t see RB Brian Robinson Jr., DB Billy Bowman Jr. or LB Divine Deablo with their groups in individual drills.
— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) October 28, 2026

With Robinson Jr. potentially missing another game, Atlanta faces a decision on how to manage Bijan’s workload. Sunday, the Falcons elevated Khalil Herbert from the practice squad, but he played only 11 offensive snaps and carried the ball twice.

Herbert also serves as a kick returner, which complicates how Atlanta deploys him on offense.

The Falcons have three options heading into Week 8. They can continue leaning on Bijan with a full workload, give Herbert a more significant role in the backfield, or sign another running back to provide depth.

None of those options are ideal, but given how central Robinson is to everything Atlanta does offensively, finding him some relief has to be a priority.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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