JACKSONVILLE – James Robinson remains “day to day.”
That means the Jaguars' starting running back will be listed as questionable on the team's final official injury report of the week, but Head Coach Urban Meyer remains optimistic the second-year veteran can play Sunday.
"I expect a positive 'day-to-day,''' Meyer said Friday as the Jaguars (1-6) prepared to play the Buffalo Bills (5-2) at TIAA Bank Field Sunday at 1 p.m.
Meyer added, "He's a monster. He's as tough a guy as I've been around."
Robinson, who sustained a bruised heel in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday, did not practice Wednesday or Thursday and worked limited Friday. He took what Meyer called "mental reps" throughout the week and participated in the team's walkthrough Friday.
"He's a tough, tough cat," "Meyer said. "We'll know more in the next couple of days, obviously."
Robinson, who rushed for 1,040 yards and seven touchdowns last season as an undrafted rookie, has rushed for 482 yards and five touchdowns on 88 carries through seven games this season. He currently is eighth in the NFL in rushing and his 5.5-yards-per-carry average is second to Jonathan Taylor of Indianapolis (5.9) among the league's top eight rushers.
He has caught 18 passes for 133 yards this season, and his 17-yard reception was the Jaguars' longest play against Seattle.
If Robinson can't play, backup running back and eight-year veteran Carlos Hyde is expected to start. He has rushed for 4,866 career yards and 36 touchdowns, including 140 yards on 33 carries this season. Running back Dare Ogunbowale has rushed four times for 12 yards this season and the Jaguars claimed running back Devine Ozigbo from the New Orleans Saints on Monday.
"We have a lot of confidence in Carlos," Meyer said of Hyde, who played for Meyer from 2012-2013 when Meyer was the head coach at Ohio State. "I have great history with him, and he has played well this year. He has done what we've asked him to do, but you're down arguably your most productive player on offense."
NOTABLE I
Meyer on Friday discussed the offensive line, praising center Tyler Shatley but noting the absence of starting center Brandon Linder – out since Week 5 with high-ankle sprain. "Shatley's a veteran guy who has done pretty good," Meyer said. "But to say we don't miss Linder, that's incorrect." Second-year veteran Ben Bartch has started the last three games in place of right guard A.J. Cann, who is out with a knee injury. "Bartch has done very good and then [veteran] Will [Richardson Jr. in reserve role]." Meyer added of the Bills, "This will be the biggest challenge we've had so far because their [defensive front] four … every one of them are outstanding players."
NOTABLE II
Robinson was listed as questionable on the Friday injury report, with all other active Jaguars players expected to be available Sunday. Listed as practicing full Friday and removed from the injury report were Bartch (illness), cornerback Tyson Campbell (toe), defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton (shoulder), Hyde (calf) and linebacker Dakota Allen (ankle).
QUOTABLE
Meyer on the Bills: "It's no secret this thing has been built the right way. They have done an excellent job. All three levels of offense and defense are very well put together. They may be the most complete team I've seen on film so far."
