James Robinson didn’t last long with the New England Patriots.
Per ESPN’s Field Yates, the Patriots waived the 24-year-old running back, who signed a two-year deal in March. Robinson looked poised to replace Damien Harris as a prominent backfield presence alongside Rhamondre Stevenson, but he’ll instead become a free agent if clearing waivers tomorrow.
Onlookers responded to the unexpected development.
“Wow. That’s surprising,” MassLive’s Mark Daniels wrote.
Wow. That’s surprising https://t.co/cqt4zSg5bE
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) June 12, 2023
“Been a rough 12 months for James Robinson,” Antwan V. Staley of the New York Daily News noted.
Been a rough 12 months for James Robinson. https://t.co/mTF3zLCPUe
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) June 12, 2023
“I refuse to believe James Robinson isn’t worth a contributing role on somebody’s roster,” FOX4’s PJ Green declared.
I refuse to believe James Robinson isn’t worth a contributing role on somebody’s roster.. https://t.co/ezjGYT4Rzj
— PJ Green (@PJGreenTV) June 12, 2023
“Awful what happens to some players after major injuries, especially running backs,” The Florida Times-Union‘s Demetrius Harvey wrote.
Awful what happens to some players after major injuries, especially running backs https://t.co/lQSc1Jq6o4
— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) June 12, 2023
Upon joining the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent, Robinson began his career by posting 1,414 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2020. His role decreased amid Urban Meyer’s dysfunctional reign before an Achilles tear ended his 2021 season.
Robinson gained just 85 yards on 29 carries for the New York Jets after getting traded last October.
New England signed Robinson to a contract with no guaranteed money, indicating health concerns from the organization. ESPN’s Mike Reiss noted that players are currently undergoing physicals at minicamp, but it’s unclear if there’s any connection.