TheAtlanta Falcons are heading into Week 1with a familiar theme of quarterback questions and pass rush concerns set to define the season. However, the one difference in comparison to franchise history is the presence of Bijan Robinson. The Atlanta back is coming off being ranked inside the NFL's top-five players in the yearly voting that is determined by Robinson's peers. It serves as a reminder of the elite talent that the Falcons have rostered and continue to waste, as they haven't enjoyed a winning season since 2017.
Understandably, this invites a sense of desperation and could force the Falcons to attempt to drive their entire offense through their best player. While Robinson will unquestionably be in a starring role, the coaching staff and front office need to have enough awareness to understand that the mileage they put on Robinson will take away from the playmaker's future ability to contribute when perhaps there are actually viable hopes of contention.
Robinson carried the ball 287 times last season to go along with 79 catches, this was despite sharing the field with current Arizona Cardinal Tyler Allgeier. With the punishing back leaving in free agency, it is going to be tempting to turn up Robinson's already hefty workload and attempt to hang the season on the back.
Falcons Must Protect Bijan Robinson's Workload in Lost 2026 Season
Until the Falcons have a capable answer at quarterback and a healthy defensive line, it is fair to doubt the ability to compete even in a lackluster NFC South. With this in mind, Atlanta should go into the season with a firm plan in place to protect their franchise player and understand the future importance of keeping Robinson healthy and not putting too much on the shoulders of the incredibly talented back.
Brian Robinson is a capable backup and more than able to take a heavy workload in a reserve role. Atlanta needs to utilize this skill set as they work to keep Bijan's production window open to align when the Falcons are yet again capable of producing a winning season.
It is important to note that this doesn't mean refusing to lean on Bijan, but simply understanding that the workload shouldn't be increased, and if there are any injury concerns, the Falcons should be a bit more aggressive in how they protect the franchise player. In a lost season, there is simply no reason to put your future at risk.
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