Falcons suddenly reducing RB Bijan Robinson's touches is major concern for fantasy players

On Tuesday, Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith explained why rookie running back Bijan Robinson has seen a reduced workload in recent weeks. His comments should raise fantasy players' eyebrows.

Per The Athletic's Josh Kendall, Smith said the rookie's "impact away from the ball can open up things" for the offense.

Through the first six games of the season, the eighth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft had 106 touches for 590 yards and two TDs and averaged 11.5 fantasy points per game. Over the past three games, however, he only had 25 touches for 124 yards and one TD and averaged 5.46 fantasy points.

"For any rookie, the seasons are long. You're going to have ebbs and flows," Smith said. "We'll see how the second half of the season goes, but he's been a huge part of our offense, and he'll continue to be."

Although Smith insists it's just Robinson hitting the rookie wall, fantasy experts believe it ties to the Falcons limiting the RB. Atlanta has curbed talented playmakers before, such as tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London, so it wouldn't be a surprise if it's doing the same to Robinson.

"[Robinson] is being criminally underused by his own team," ESPN's Field Yates said Monday on "Fantasy Focus Live." "[The Falcons] don't do enough with Kyle Pitts or Drake London, but frankly, we've wasted enough energy over the past two years about those two players. It's Bijan time. He deserves all the energy right now."

Until the Falcons (4-5) use Robinson more, it diminishes his value for fantasy players. While he's productive enough to remain in lineups,  he might lose his status as a legitimate RB1.