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NFL fines Atlanta Falcons, coach Arthur Smith for violating injury report policy regarding Bijan Robinson in Week 7

Matt Connollyby: Matt Connolly12/22/23MattConnollyOn3
Bijan Robinson
Steve Roberts | USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons have been penalized for violating the NFL injury report policy ahead of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7.

According to Tom Pelissero, the league has fined the Falcons $75,000 for violating the NFL injury report policy, while Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith has been fined $25,000.

The fine was given out after running back Bijan Robinson played a limited role in the game against Tampa Bay.

Robinson had only one carry for three yards against the Buccaneers, and Smith said following the game that his rookie running back’s role was limited because he wasn’t feeling well. However, Bijan Robinson was not listed on the injury report with an illness. The league began investigating the situation and determined that the Falcons violated a rule.

Bijan Robinson’s one carry was a season low and at the time marked the first game where he had not received double-digit carries. To date, Robinson has gotten 10-plus carries in every game other than the Tampa Bay game and this past weekend’s game against the Carolina Panthers when he received seven.

For the season, Robinson has accumulated 801 yards and four touchdowns, while averaging 4.6 yards per carry. The rookie out of Texas also has 41 receptions for 323 yards and three scores.

As for the Atlanta Falcons, they are 6-8 on the year but only 2-5 over their past seven games.

Report: Falcons bench Desmond Ridder, name Taylor Heinicke starter vs. Colts

As mentioned, the Falcons have struggled as of late, which has led to a quarterback change.

Ahead of their matchup versus the Indianapolis Colts, the Falcons are reportedly planning to start backup QB Taylor Heinicke over Desmond Ridder.

On Sunday, with a win against the Panthers still in reach, Ridder threw an interception on the Falcons’ final drive. That pick allowed the Panthers to mount a 17-play, 90-yard drive to win on a field goal with time expiring. The final score was 9-7 Carolina.

According to the Athletic’s Josh Kendall, the Falcons are benching Ridder for the second time this season, which could signal the end of the former Cincinnati star’s time as the starter in Atlanta.

Heinicke’s seen action in three games so far this season. He is 41-for-74 passing with 498 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. His completion percentage is significantly lower than Ridder’s (55.4% vs 63.3%), however, the younger of the two QBs has 10 interceptions to 10 touchdowns this season.

The Falcons take on the Colts at 1 p.m. ET on Christmas Eve. They’re hosting Indianapolis, hoping to earn win No. 7 on the year to move to 7-8. After the loss against the Panthers, the Falcons have an 11% chance to make the playoffs, according to the NYT postseason simulator.