JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars aren't yet officially without their starting running back. But they're really, really close.
T.J. Yeldon, the Jaguars' starting running back in 12 of the first 13 games this season, officially was listed as doubtful on the final injury report of the week Friday. That means it's highly unlikely Yeldon will play Sunday.
It also means third-year veteran Denard Robinson likely will make his first start of the season.
"You just keep preparing like you always prepare," Robinson said Friday as the Jaguars (5-8) prepared to Atlanta Falcons (6-7) at EverBank Field Sunday at 1 p.m.
"You don't change anything up; you just keep doing what you're doing."
Robinson, who missed three games in September and October with a knee injury, rushed for a season-high 75 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries replacing an injured Yeldon against Indianapolis last Sunday. He rushed for 582 yards and four touchdowns on 135 carries in nine starts last season.
"I feel good," Robinson said. "I feel like I can do some things and run how I'm supposed to run."
With Yeldon doubtful, the Jaguars' healthy running backs are Robinson, third-year veteran Joe Banyard and second-year veteran Jonas Gray. Banyard has been on the active roster since late October and has played two games with no carries. Gray signed off the Miami Dolphins' practice squad Tuesday.
"I think we'll just see how the flow of the game goes," Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley said of the running back rotation after Robinson. "We'll see what D-Rob can do, but there will be situations where we might rotate."
Bradley said the team has yet to decide whether Robinson, cornerback Nick Marshall or rookie wide receiver Rashad Greene will return kickoffs.
Also Friday, starting middle linebacker Paul Posluszny was listed as probable with the fractured hand that kept him out against Indianapolis. Bradley said Posluszny will start Sunday.
"We're good to go," Posluszny said,
Posluszny practiced for a third consecutive day Friday, working with a slightly smaller protective club/cast than he wore Wednesday and Thursday. He will wear the device Sunday, and while he won't be able to open and close the hand, he said Friday he is confident he will be able to shed blocks and make tackles.
"It's healed up really well," Posluszny said. "I feel great moving around. I'll have to change techniques a little bit getting on and off blockers and when I'm tackling, I'll have to make sure I make as much contact as I can and wrap up."
Bradley said he was "very pleased" with Posluszny's progress this week.
"He really didn't miss a beat," Bradley said. "For us, it was just the strategy of what kind of guard he was going to have and what he was going to wear."
Also around the Jaguars Friday:
*Defensive end Ryan Davis, who missed the Indianapolis game with a knee injury, also was listed as doubtful on the injury report, with cornerback Dwayne Gratz (hamstring), tight end Nic Jacobs (hamstring) and wide receiver Bryan Walters (back) listed as questionable after dealing with injuries throughout the week. Jacobs and Walters both missed last week's game.
*Safety Sergio Brown was added to the injury report as questionable with a thumb injury. Bradley said his initial thought was Brown's status was precautionary.
*Defensive end Andre Branch (groin) was listed as probable, as were wide receiver Allen Hurns (thigh), defensive tackle Roy Miller (knee) offensive tackle Jermey Parnell (knee) and Posluszny.
