Pats Pulpit
Robinson has started six games at right guard.
Following the release of left guard Michael Jordan, who started 11 of 12 games for the team this season, the New England Patriots are set to shuffle their offensive line this week.
That could result in rookie fourth-round guard Layden Robinson being reinserted back into the lineup.
“It does give us an opportunity now to get some younger players in and continue to develop our draft picks,” offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said Thursday.
A fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Robinson has appeared in eight games with six starts for the Patriots this season. Outside of one play as a muscle tight end, all of Robinson’s 288 snaps this season have come at right guard.
The 23-year old has, however, upped his participation on the left side in practice of recent weeks.
“It’s going pretty good,” Robinson said of the switch. “Just adjusting, taking the mental and physical reps with it. Just getting a lot of repetition in it to help myself get ready for the game.”
A three year starter at right guard for Texas A&M, Robinson’s experience along the left side is minimal. Beyond a few practice snaps at the position with the Aggies, Robinson saw time on the left side to start his New England tenure. He worked in at left guard during both minicamp and training camp before officially moving back to right guard at the start of the season
“I got to get that readjustment period back to it again so everything goes smoothly,” Robinson said. “I could say everything [is an adjustment] because you’re doing everything completely opposite than you’re doing on the right. Being a right side player for so long it is challenging but that makes it just better when you get it.”
Robinson has not started for the Patriots since Week 9, when he drew back into the lineup for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in Week 7. The rookie’s return lasted just 21 snaps, however, before reverting to the bench due to performance.
Out of the lineup completely for the last three weeks — beyond playing one snap as the team’s muscle tight end — Robinson believes the time on the sideline led to a new mindset and will benefit him in his return to game action.
“I think it helped me. It helps my game by me viewing a different side of things,” Robinson explained. “Just sitting back and learning from the guys ahead of me and just practicing — being ready for anything at any time.
“Also it humbles you in a way. Even though I don’t pride myself in being an over exaggerated cocky guy. I keep it level headed but that even humbles a level headed person to make you see a different light of things. It just keeps you on your toes always.”
Things won’t be easy for the rookie if he draws the start this week, as the Indianapolis Colts and...
