The Washington Football Team could be without one of its key offensive players Sunday when they face the San Francisco 49ers in Arizona. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Washington’s star rookie running back Antonio Gibson could miss the Week 14 game against the 49ers with a turf toe injury.
Gibson exited the first quarter of Washington’s 23-17 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday. Gibson hobbled off the field after just his second carry of the game. He was later ruled out of the game without returning.
Gibson finished the game with 14 yards on two carries. However, Washington’s only other two running backs JD McKissic and Peyton Barber combined for 31 yards on 19 rushes against the Steelers.
Washington signed undrafted rookie running back Michael Warren Wednesday to their practice squad on Wednesday. Warren joins former Maryland running back and fellow undrafted rookie Javon Leake. If Gibson is unable to play against the 49ers, one or both are likely to elevated to the active roster to play.
As a rookie, Gibson has emerged as Washington’s lead back. He leads the team with 659 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He also has 32 receptions for 233 yards.
That’s production that will surely be missed for Washington, especially on the ground. McKissic has been a viable option as a receiver out the backfield with 56 receptions on the season. However, his stature and running style prevents him from consistently running through inside gaps like Gibson.
Barber is a more viable short yardage runner. He lacks the change of gear and home run capability of Gibson. On the season, Barber and McKissic collectively have 427 rushing yards on 128 carries and four touchdowns.
