Rookie lineman knows he’s competing for his job every day

Robinson, 22, held his own Sunday against the Steelers and veteran defensive lineman Casey Hampton — who’s 13 years older than Robinson — in his first extended NFL action. He was thrust into the lineup in the second half when 10-year veteran Jeff Faine suffered a hamstring injury.

Robinson played one series the previous week against Cleveland, and he said that helped him feel comfortable in his second appearance.

“There wasn’t any nervousness or anxiety,” he said. “I didn’t have any trouble identifying their fronts or anything. There were a couple of plays I’d like back technique-wise.”

Robinson was a four-year starter at Notre Dame. He got his size from his dad Wade, who played football at Kearney State College in Nebraska. So far he’s enjoying his new life in Cincinnati.

“To me this is the big city,” Robinson said. “This might as well be Manhattan. Nebraska and South Bend aren’t thriving metropolises.”

Robinson doesn’t know what his role will be the rest of the season, but he knows, as an undrafted free agent, his job is never safe.

“The odds are stacked against you when you’re undrafted,” he said. “I feel very fortunate with the way things unfolded here and with where I am. All I can do is take it week to week. I take the mind-set of going out to every practice and every game knowing I’m competing for my job.”

Tough road ahead: When the Bengals return after their bye week, they face back-to-back home games against the Mannings: against Peyton and the Broncos on Nov. 4 and then Eli and the Giants on Nov. 11.

“You spend a lot of time in the offseason scouting these guys and what they do offensively,” safety Chris Crocker said. “I’ve played against Peyton many times. He’s the same guy. Obviously, he’s a great quarterback, but it’s the same system. We’ll have to be on our Ps and Qs.”

Jones injured: Rookie wide receiver Marvin Jones spent Monday and Tuesday hopping around the Bengals locker room on crutches. He injured his right knee on the opening kickoff against the Steelers.

Jones, a fifth-round pick, has three catches for 26 yards this season. He doesn’t know when he’ll be able to return.

“It’s always frustrating when you go down and you’re in the game plan,” he said. “I’m OK. Time will tell.”