Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. suffers injury at NFL Combine

Alabama’s Brian Robinson Jr. may have injured himself during workouts at the 2022 NFL Combine, according to reports.

“Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. pulled up in the 40-yard dash before ultimately running again, and he posted a 4.53. But he didn’t continue his workout and was seen icing his right hamstring. It’s unclear the extent of the injury or if it was merely a precaution, but it was a tough night for my No. 7 running back. Alabama’s pro day is March 30, so we’ll see if he works out there. Robinson is a downhill runner with great instincts and excellent size,” NFL Draft expert Todd McShay wrote.

Robinson had an outstanding senior season at Alabama, taking 271 carries for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns, not to mention averaging 5 yards per rush as the Crimson Tide’s primary ball carrier. He also posted 35 receptions for 296 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air in 2021 to show off his versatility.

No other Alabama player had more than 350 rushing yards on the season — which means he’s someone that NFL coaches can trust with the ball in his hands.

“With me stepping in the building, I can pretty much bring anything to the offense as far as physicality, speed,” Robinson told reporters Thursday about adapting to the NFL. “I can pick up the blitz, whatever I need to do as far as a running back on the field. Any offensive unit, I can come and contribute and help. Protect the quarterback, pick up first downs, consistently gain positive yards, consistently keep the chains moving and also run out the backfield and be a decoy in the backfield and also catch the ball, too. I can pretty much do anything around the board.”

Most mock drafts have Robinson falling somewhere in the Day 2 range of this year’s draft, but those projections doesn’t do justice his athletic ability and the performances he’s capable of having. Sure, he doesn’t have the highlight reel tapes his former teammate Najee Harris has, but he’s as athletic as they come and has the potential to be a true third down back and pass protector in the league for years to come.

“I’m one of those backs who, I don’t want to be responsible for my quarterback on the ground, my quarterback getting sacked or a pressure on my quarterback,” Robinson said. “I don’t want to be responsible for that, so I take full responsibility for my pass protection. And I also try to be there to clean up if guys come free. 

“I’m not just thinking of my responsibility on play. I’m thinking about how I can protect the quarterback and keep the quarterback off the ground because in football things happen. Guys come free off the edge. Guys slip a block. You know, I always want to be available just to help.”