Published: Friday, October 10, 2008
Robinson looks to be productive for Seattle
On Sunday, wide receiver makes second debut with Seahawks
By Scott M. Johnson Herald Writer
RENTON -- Admittedly, Koren Robinson is in no position to be exacting revenge on any of his former teams.
Every stop Robinson has made during his seven-year career has brought a sense of appreciation to the oft-troubled, 28-year-old wide receiver just to have another opportunity.
And so when Robinson makes his second debut as a member of the Seattle Seahawks this weekend, he won't be out to stick it to the team that gave up on him five months ago.
"It is what it is," Robinson said this week as he prepared for Sunday's game with the Green Bay Packers. "They had to make what (decision) is best for the team and the organization. I'm fine with it. I understand it's a business going into it.
"I just look at the opportunity to play against some of my boys. I definitely want to be able to do, first of all, and have a productive day."
Robinson, who started his NFL career in Seattle in 2001, played parts of the past two seasons in Green Bay. A league suspension limited him to four games in 2006, while an offseason knee surgery kept him out of seven games last year.
In May, the Packers gave up on Robinson.
"It was kind of a different situation, with my knee and how I might be able to handle it during training camp," Robinson said this week. "My knee feels fine (now). I'm in and out of my breaks no problem, and last year that was a problem.
"But that was my first year after surgery. The second year is always better than the first year, and I feel good. I have confidence, and I'll try to go back to my old ways."
Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy said that the knee problems were the main factor in the decision to cut Robinson, adding that the receiver was never a problem in the Packers' locker room.
"I had a very positive experience with Koren Robinson," McCarthy said on a conference call with Seattle reporters this week. "I have great respect for Koren. He came in here and was a great teammate. He was very productive for us and fought each week to get on the field."
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers also appreciated Robinson during his time in Green Bay.
"I really enjoyed Koren," Rodgers said. "He came in under not the best circumstances and had to sit out for a little bit, but Koren was a guy who practiced very hard. He was dealing with some injuries as well, but he was a playmaker."
Robinson has actually been with the Seahawks for almost a month, but today's game will mark his first game action.
His left knee -- the same one that required surgery -- has limited him at practice and kept him out of the past two games.
He said he's excited to be back playing at Qwest Field for the first time since 2004.
"It's going to be great," he said. "I'm going to have to calm my nerves. For me, it's going to be good just to be back in Seattle. The fans energize me, but I can't go out there and press.
"It's going to be great; I know it is. It'll be a good experience."
Injuries at the wide receiver position forced the Seahawks to re-sign Robinson on Sept. 16. Former starter Courtney Taylor has subsequently been demoted to the practice squad, while last week's starters -- Deion Branch, due to a bruised heel, and Billy McMullen, due to a subpar performance -- are unlikely to start today.
That leaves Robinson, Keary Colbert and veteran Bobby Engram as the main receivers heading into today's game. Robinson is expected to start at split end, where he played for his entire first stint in Seattle.
The Seahawks hope that he'll eventually add some kind of stability to the revolving door known as Seattle's receiving corps. But for now, the Seahawks would just be happy to see Robinson play in a game.
"Just to play," offensive coordinator Gil Haskell said when asked about his expectations for Robinson. "He's a good player. And if he can play, and play like he used to play, that'll help us."
Robinson's teammates are excited to see him back on the field.
"He's definitely a big-play guy," running back Maurice Morris said. "If you can hit him on a slant (pass) or whatever, he can take it 80 yards."
Wide receiver Bobby Engram, who was one of Robinson's closest friends during his first stint with the Seahawks, is also glad to have his former teammate back.
"I know he's excited for the opportunity," Engram said. "I expect him to come out, play hard and try to get us back on track -- especially after all the injuries and setbacks we've had this year."
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