Antonio Gibson entered 2021 as popular breakout candidate in Washington. A year later, the running back may not even start when the Commanders open the 2022 season. Days after fumbling in the team’s preseason opener, the former Third-round draft pick rotated with the club’s second- and third-team offense, as well as special teams units, in practice Tuesday. Coach Ron Rivera, meanwhile, hinted to reporters that Gibson’s job was up for grabs ahead of the Sept. 11 regular-season opener in Washington.
“There’s always been competition for positions on this team,” Rivera said when asked if the top running back position was open, days after the coach said Gibson had to “run stronger” and perform better after his pre-season mistake.
Gibson, 24, who topped 1,000 rushing yards in 2021, wasn’t completely eliminated from the starting offense on Tuesday, taking a few snaps as an RB1. For the first time this summer, however, he was also relegated to second- and third-team representatives, who were usually reserved for third-round rookie Brian Robinson Jr. He was also spotted blocking a cover unit from punt, a sign that he is, in fact, in danger of a deep demotion.
Rivera later clarified that Washington wants to “use all of our players” in different roles, but these developments suggest Robinson could be primed for a significant number of runs starting in 2022. The Alabama product is seen more as a traditional fullback, while veteran backup JD McKissic has often been deployed as a pass-catching option.
Gibson had already had six fumbles in 2021, when his numbers, while strong, didn’t necessarily match expectations at the start of the year. The Memphis product displayed rookie game promise, totaling over 1,000 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns in just 10 starts.