Expecting more open running room in 2026
Robinson said Thursday that he's noticed an emphasis from the Falcons' new coaching staff in scheming up ways to create open up running room and help him reach the second level more quickly, Will McFadden of the team's official site reports. "We have a lot of different variations," Robinson said. "But, for me, it's to create space for yourself. [Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees] does a really good job of being intentional in trying to get us to the second level as fast as possible because when we get to the second level, I feel like that's where we're super dangerous as runners."
Robinson led the NFL with 2,298 scrimmage yards in 2025, with the 24-year-old doing much of his damage on outside runs in former offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's wide-zone running scheme. The Falcons won't completely abandon those zone concepts during the upcoming season, but the new coaching staff plans to implement more gap and power-style run plays that they believe will help Robinson to maintain effectiveness and while still allowing him to put his explosiveness in the open field on display. Rees and head coach Kevin Stefanski also plan to keep Robinson heavily involved in the screen game, after he led all running backs with 20 receptions on screens last season. While working with a less talented Browns running-back room in 2025, Stefanski and Rees helped Cleveland generate 413 yards on screen plays, second-most in the NFL.
More Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Football News
Cooper Rush
Backing up Tagovailoa in Week 1
Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Rush will serve as the top backup to starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the Falcons' Week 1 game against the Steelers, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.
Michael Penix Jr.
Will be inactive for opener
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said that Penix (knee) will be inactive for Sunday's season opener in Pittsburgh, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.
Michael Penix Jr.
Won't start in Week 1
Penix (knee) won't start the season opener Sunday in Pittsburgh, after the Falcons named Tua Tagovailoa their top quarterback heading into Week 1, Will McFadden and Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports.
Tua Tagovailoa
Will start Week 1
The Falcons will have Tagovailoa start at quarterback in Sunday's season opener against the Steelers, Tom Pelissero of Netflix reports.
Michael Penix Jr.
Will start 'eventually,' if not Week 1
The Falcons plan for Penix (knee) to start "eventually" this season, but head coach Kevin Stefanski has yet to decide whether Penix or Tua Tagovailoa will direct the offense Week 1 in Pittsburgh, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.
Brian Robinson
Expected to have role at goal line
The Athletic's Josh Kendall expects Robinson to have a goal-line role for the Falcons this season.
Zachariah Branch
Returns punt in preseason win
Branch returned a punt for 18 yards during the Falcons' 17-12 preseason win over the Dolphins on Friday.
Drake London
Sees minimal work vs. Miami
London played eight snaps on offense and didn't show up in the box score otherwise during the Falcons' 17-12 preseason win over the Dolphins on Friday.
Jahan Dotson
Three receptions in preseason finale
Dotson caught all three of his targets for 27 yards in Friday's 17-12 preseason win over the Dolphins.
Brian Robinson
TD, fumble in preseason finale
Robinson rushed five times for 14 yards and a touchdown, caught his only target for nine yards and lost a fumble in Friday's 17-12 preseason win over the Dolphins.
