Michael

Robinson

What’s Kevan Barlow going to do? Robinson has impressed San Francisco so far, which means Maurice Hicks could be off the roster shortly.

We usually don’t attend to comparisons with NFL greats, but the Niners feel Robinson can succeed on the goal line as well as be a receiving threat. He ran ahead of Maurice Hicks in the last preseason game.

The former Penn State QB finished with nine yards on three carries and 29 yards and a touchdown on three catches. The versatility is intriguing. This competition is one to watch for Frank Gore owners with Kevan Barlow now out of the picture.

The versatile team leader is coming off his first Pro Bowl nod after paving the way for Marshawn Lynch’s career-best 1,204 yards and 11 touchdowns. Robinson is also a special teams captain, recording 10 tackles, a forced fumble and a blocked punt return touchdown last season.

Robinson appeared to tweak his groin at the end of a six-yard catch-and-run. He was a major part of the passing game with four catches for 41 yards while also lead-blocking for Marshawn Lynch’s 148-yard performance in just over three quarters.

Both players were injured in Sunday’s loss to the Lions. Robinson was a Pro Bowler last season, but Obomanu is primarily a special teams player. If Robinson was forced to miss time, we could see some two-running back sets with Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin in Week 9 against the Vikings.

Coach Pete Carroll provided no further details. The players will likely be sent for testing on Monday. Obomanu has been primarily a special teamer this season.

NFL teams don’t keep injured special teamers around on the game-day inactives list, so Robinson is a candidate for I.R. The Seahawks did have three or four fullbacks in their training camp and could re-sign one of them shortly.

The quick doubtful tag indicates a potentially serious injury, perhaps a high ankle sprain. Robinson is an occasional lead blocker and special teamer.

Some believe Robinson is on the roster bubble in Seattle. It’s hard to see a team like the Seahawks, who are in win-now mode, cutting a special teams leader and trusted lead blocker like Robinson. Sixth-round FB Spencer Ware is on the outside looking in. He’d be easier to retain via practice squad.