Rookie cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon took over for Robinson on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Robinson played just 16 snaps on defense against the Eagles and was not targeted during the game.
Robinson's play this season has been inconsistent and undisciplined. During a Week 7 contest against the Dallas Cowboys, he was the lowest graded player in the game, according to Pro Football Focus. Robinson was flagged twice in coverage against Dallas – once for pass interference and once for illegal contact. Robinson led the 49ers with 10 penalties this season.
"You never want a guy to get a [pass interference call] and the best way to not get a P.I. is to not touch a guy," head coach Kyle Shanahan said on October 23 when asked about Robinson. "I promise there's touching on every play and it's up to the ref whether they want to call a P.I. or not. And you've got to adjust to them. Sometimes, they're going to be harder than others but if you are putting your hands on guys, it gives them an opportunity to make a call and then you leave it up to them.
"You can't get those calls and they're huge ones, especially when they happen on third down. I thought one was worse than the others but if you put your hands on people, they always have the opportunity to call it. Just because they don't always, it doesn't mean that you can do it. You've got to adjust to them and you've got to work your feet and get into a better position."
Robinson lost his temper on the 49ers sideline during the Week 7 loss to Dallas, threw his helmet, and yelled at a member of the coaching staff. The meltdown likely contributed to the decision to remove Robinson as a starter.
Meanwhile, Witherspoon was Pro Football Focus' highest-graded player for the 49ers on Sunday and the second-highest graded player of the game. He allowed just three catches on eight targets for 66 yards and a touchdown. Witherspoon also had a pass defensed and his first career interception. The interception, which was returned for 19 yards, led to the touchdown from quarterback C.J. Beathard to running back Matt Breida.
Robinson, 22, became the team's top cornerback following the arrest and release of Tramaine Brock in April. Since then, his performances in games was erratic, which forced the 49ers to remove Robinson from the starting lineup. On October 12, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was asked what Robinson needs to do to play on a more consistent level.
"It comes back to preparation," Saleh said. "There's a difference between ready and prepared. In my mind, everyone is ready to go take the field, but it's the ones who are prepared that actually have a consistent level of success. For Rashard, preparation starts in practice. Having deliberate practice every single day. Going out and not taking any rep for granted."
Robinson was selected out of LSU in the fourth round of the 2016 draft. The deal for Robinson took place just before the league's trade deadline and a day after the 49ers traded for New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.