'When I'm ready, I'll be ready': Jaguars RB James Robinson following doctor orders

At some point when training camp opens next month, Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson hopes to take part in drills where he can show he has regained his cutting ability and speed.

While both Robinson and the Jaguars are optimistic about a full recovery from a torn left Achilles tendon, there remains an emphasis from the franchise to not rush him back.

He's in the sixth month of a rehab process that usually takes nine months to a year to recover fully. But Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers, who played at Florida State, needed only 5 1/2 months to return after tearing his Achilles tendon.

"When I'm ready, I'll be ready," Robinson said. "I'm just letting my body recover from it. I'm not trying to rush anything. I've just stayed focused and tried not to get too down about it. I knew I could come back from it. I've just tried to be strongminded."

Running backs coach Bernie Parmalee said he continues to make a point to tell Robinson his recovery is a process that cannot rush, although training camp is almost a month away.

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No set timetable on Robinson's return

"I tell him the main thing is when he comes back is not having to look back," Parmalee said. "So, however long it takes to get back, you want it where you won't have to look back over your shoulder. It can be sooner or later, but you've got to listen to your body and the trainers. But at the same time, you can make sure you know the offense in and out, and then when it's time to go, and you won't miss a beat."

Robinson's rehab has primarily involved straight-line running, with him working on testing his surgically repaired left Achilles tendon by getting a push-off when he starts each time, going about 30 to 40 yards on the field.

He said there are no plans yet to include running and cutting in his regimen.

"We're just trying to stick to the tempo staff for now," he said.

Running, though, is a significant step for Robinson because the first couple of months of rehab mostly involved soft tissue treatment because he had not been cleared to run.

Most athletes who suffer a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon must relearn how to walk because of the significant time spent on a motorized scooter or crutches.

Robinson suffered the injury in the first quarter during a 26-21 loss to the New York Jets on Dec. 26. After the snap, Robinson came out of his stance and dropped to the turf without contact.

Running back room still remains a concern

With training camp approaching, the running back position remains questionable because both Robinson and Travis Etienne are trying to return coming off significant injuries. Etienne, the 25th overall pick in the 2021 draft, missed last season with a Lisfranc injury to his left foot. However, he was a full participant throughout the offseason program and flashed his speed.

"I'm very excited," Robinson said of Etienne's return. "Last year was just a bummer. You couldn't see him do what he does. This year, just watching him practice and everything, I think he'll be great."

If Robinson returns without any injury setbacks, the Jaguars have the potential to have an explosive backfield. They added insurance with fifth-round draft pick Snoop Conner, an inside power runner similar to Robinson who played at Ole Miss.

Pederson said the potential depth and versatility among his running backs is exciting, and he believes Robinson is heading in the right direction with his rehab.

"It just shows the progression of where he is health-wise and really looking forward to down the road when we get him back," Pederson said. "But all of that is exciting, knowing that he's heading in the right direction.

"But at the same time, we as coaches, we have to make sure that we get the most out of them and put them in the right spots too. It's our job to do that, and they just have to go play and let us worry about where they play. But again, it goes back to the amount of touches with one football, so he's [Robinson] definitely a player that we want to consider."

Although Robinson spent the entire off-season program rehabbing from his injury, he has a favorable impression of Pederson from a distance.

"Just the way he carries himself around the building, just the way he talks to the players and tells them how things are going to go," Robinson said. "He's just professional about it."

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars, James Robinson optimistic about rehab from torn Achilles injury