Allen excited to face old friend Robinson ( 123over )

( 123over ) osh Hines-Allen is set to face former teammate Cam Robinson as the Minnesota Vikings’ left tackle. ( 123over )

Jacksonville Jaguars pass rusher Josh Hines-Allen, 27, said he’s excited to face off against old friend and veteran offensive tackle Cam Robinson for Sunday’s home game against the Minnesota Vikings, NFL Network reports.

Hines-Allen, a former first-round draft pick in the 2019 class, is familiar with Robinson, who played with the Jaguars since he entered the league as a second-round draft pick in the 2017 class before the 29-year-old was traded to Minnesota after the Vikings lost starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw to a knee injury that ended his season early. 

“I’m excited for him,” Hines-Allen said of his former teammate. “He’s got a good team, a good situation there, and he’s coming back home to try and prove himself.”

Robinson has been benched by Walker Little, although the 29-year-old left tackle has recovered from a concussion. He was visibly upset on the sideline in Week 8’s game against the Green Bay Packers before being traded to Minnesota two days later.

“Sometimes that’s the nature of this business,” Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold said of Robinson. “Whether his friends or family are at the game or not, the bottom line is he’s a great guy. But then again, it’s just a game. We have to go out there and do our best. That’s the only thing we’re worried about.”

While Hines-Allen is also looking forward to facing his former teammate, having not been able to fully attack him during years of training together.

“This will be my first time playing against him,” the 27-year-old pass rusher said. “I’m excited. I know he’s a good player. I’ve been battling him since I’ve been here. I’m excited. Hopefully he’s excited and we can do a good job.” ( 123over )