A familiar face could soon be spotted again in the New Orleans Saints secondary. Cornerback Patrick Robinson was designated to return from injured reserve on the daily NFL transactions wire, which opened the door for him to practice with his teammates ahead of Week 17’s game against the Carolina Panthers. He can be activated at any time if his injured hamstring checks out.
This news takes on more importance in light of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson going on the COVID-19 reserve list. Both players have put together their best game tape when lined up over the slot, but Robinson had taken on more of a backup boundary role with Gardner-Johnson dominating so early on in his career.
Normally, cornerback P.J. Williams has been the go-to option to fill in for Gardner-Johnson in a pinch. But with free safety Marcus Williams nursing an ankle injury, Williams probably remains in deep coverage (likely platooning with D.J. Swearinger behind Malcolm Jenkins, as the team has done before) over the top while Robinson steps in to the slot.
It’s not an ideal fix, but it’s the best we’re likely to see in these circumstances. Here’s hoping everyone enjoys a full and quick recovery.
