Why Bijan Robinson's usage could decrease after comments from Falcons' head coach Raheem Morris

Drew Bishop

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Why Bijan Robinson's usage could decrease after comments from Falcons' head coach Raheem Morris image

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Bijan Robinson was a consensus first-round pick in fantasy drafts this year but his stock could be trending down as the season ends. 

The third-year back has toted the ball 135 times for 679 yards (5 yards per carry) and 2 touchdowns through 9 games this season. He's only scored twice in part because he shares the backfield with Tyler Allgeier, a bruising goal line back. 

Allgeier rushed 11 times for 57 yards and 2 TD's in Atlanta's OT loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Head coach Raheem Morris was asked about the running back on Wednesday and praised Allgeier to the point where some fans are concerned that Robinson's usage could decrease.

Raheem Morris's comments on Tyler Allgeier

When asked about his backup running back, Morris gave high marks. 

“Tyler is the least-talked about superstar on our football team," Morris said. “He's a stud…. Wherever you put him, whatever you ask him to do, he's able to go out there.”

Superstar is a strong word to place on a player who garners less than 50% of the snap share in his backfield. Allgeier was the starting rusher his rookie year but the Falcons still chose to draft Robinson the following season.

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Morris was not the coach when both runners were acquired. He has no fealty to either back and could choose to give Allgeier more snaps if his production continues to improve. 

Bijan Robinson vs. Tyler Allgeier snap share

Despite Allgeier's ascension, Robinson still continues to dominate the backfield snap share as of late.

Snap %Bijan RobinsonTyler Allgeier
Week 860%40%
Week 996%30%
Week 1086%37%

The Falcons have utilized a lot of two-back sets to weaponize both runners. Robinson's ability to line up as a receiver allows him to be on the field even when Allgeier is in the backfield. 

Morris's comments are not a guarantee that Allgeier will be playing more on Sundays. But it is indicative of a coach that is willing to go with the hot hand and not blindly commit to Robinson.

Fantasy managers and Robinson fans should expect the third-year back to continue operating as the lead but Allgeier isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

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Contributing Writer