This season, third-year running back Bijan Robinson has backpacked the Atlanta Falcons’ offense. He’s hit 100 scrimmage yards in every game in 2025 with no signs of slowing down. That was until the Falcons met the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football in Week 7.
While he’s found some lanes, Robinson’s overall impact has been limited by the undermanned 49ers defense. Will he be able to show off the explosive plays NFL fans have become accustomed to over the past few weeks?
What Happened to Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson?
Robinson hasn’t been awful in the first half of the Falcons’ Sunday Night Football matchup against the 49ers, but it has left more to be desired. He has turned seven carries into 22 yards and caught three passes for 20 yards.
The 49ers have played well throughout the night, leaning on running back Christian McCaffrey to drive the offense down the field. Falcons beat writer Terrin Waack posted at halftime, “The 49ers are running the ball much more effectively than the Falcons, 100 yards vs. 31 yards. 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has 76 rushing yards, while Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has 22 rushing yards.”
HALFTIME: 49ers 10, Falcons 3
The 49ers are running the ball much more effectively than the Falcons — 100 yards vs. 31 yards. 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has 76 rushing yards, while Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has 22 rushing yards.
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) October 20, 2025
Robinson has dazzled so far in 2025, gaining yards at an incredible pace. In the Falcons’ Week 6 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Robinson rumbled for a jaw-dropping 170 yards and a touchdown. He brought the scrimmage yard total over 200 with 68 more yards on six receptions. This was after he had 181 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown against the Washington Commanders in Week 4.
While not out of it, the game script flipped quickly on the Falcons. After possessing the ball for most of the first quarter, the 49ers scored ten points on back-to-back drives in the second quarter to take a seven-point lead. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was able to cover some ground before the end of the first half, but an intentional grounding penalty halted any chances at points.
It seems the Falcons have slowed the momentum, holding the 49ers’ offense to a field goal to start the second half. However, the Falcons will need Robinson and the offense to wake up if they want to come back from the 13-3 deficit. It starts with getting some explosive plays with which the dynamic third-year back has become synonymous.
