“What I did learn is, first and foremost, the 12th man gets us going,” Robinson said. “But we’ve got to come out early, start fast. We can’t wait until the second quarter, third quarter to get going. We’ve got to be the ones who initiate it and set the tempo. And not rely on the other team to do that.”
Seattle coach Pete Carroll told reporters on Friday that after a week of fully participating in practice, Robinson will return to the starting lineup on Sunday against Atlanta.
And Carroll said that second-year pro safety Kam Chancellor is doubtful for Sunday because of a deep thigh bruise that kept him out of practice all week.
With Chancellor likely out, six-year veteran Atari Bigby will get his first start since 2009.
“He’s had a good week of prep,” Carroll said about Bigby. “And he’ll be all over the field with all the special teams duties he (has) as well. We’ll count on him to play just like Kam would have played.”
The versatile Robinson is the captain of Seattle’s special teams along with serving as the starting fullback. He said he’s pleased to be back.
“It feels good,” he said. “… I’m glad we got a victory last week. The first one is always the hardest to get …”
After struggling to run the ball the first two weeks of the season, the Seahawks finally got things going against Arizona last week, rushing for 122 yards. Marshawn Lynch led the charge, with 73 yards on 19 carries.
Seattle faces a defense in Atlanta giving up 112 yards rushing a contest.
“They’re a stout defense,” Robinson said. “They’re good. They play very fast. They have linebackers that can run and hit. We just have to stay disciplined, do what we do and don’t think too much – just go play.”
Robinson said Seattle’s struggles running the ball are to be expected because of a young, inexperienced offensive line working together for the first time this season. But the more they play together, the more explosive plays Seattle should create.
“This game is all about confidence and swag, we call it,” Robinson said. “As the big plays come, the offensive line and the whole blocking unit, quarterbacks and wide receivers and runners – everybody involved gets more confidence. And we start believing even more as a unit. So success always breeds confidence.”
CABLE RETURNS
After having back surgery on Monday, offensive line coach Tom Cable showed his toughness by appearing at practice Friday. He sat on a cart wearing a back brace. Carroll said that Cable expects to attend the game and be up in the coaches’ box.
INJURY REPORT
Carroll said offensive guard Robert Gallery, who’s out for a second straight week with a groin injury, is ahead of his recovery schedule and could do some things next week. Gallery was supposed to be out four to six weeks. … Cornerback Byron Maxwell (ankle) did not practice and is doubtful for Sunday. Offensive tackle Jarriel King (ankle), Robinson (ankle) and linebacker Matt McCoy (shoulder/head) fully participated in practice and are probable. … For Atlanta, defensive linemen Jonathan Babineaux (knee) and Cliff Matthews (knee), linebacker Stephen Nicholas (calf) and running back Jason Snelling (concussion) did not practice. Receiver Roddy White (thigh) was a limited and is questionable. Offensive tackle Sam Baker (ankle), linebacker Curtis Lofton (foot) and cornerback Kelvin Hayden (hamstring) are probable.
SUNDAY
Atlanta (1-2) at Seattle (1-2), 1:05 p.m., Ch. 13, 1240-AM, 1030-AM, 97.3-FM
NFL NOTEBOOK, B4
