Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons with a shin injury.
Gibson showed up on the injury report Thursday after not participating in that day’s practice. He was limited in Friday’s practice.
Washington head coach Ron Rivera is “pretty confident” about Gibson’s status for Sunday, according to The Athletic’s Ben Standig. But, how the second-year back feels Saturday will go a long way into him playing.
With that said, if Gibson is unable to play, which he has been banged up for much of the first four weeks of the season, Washington will have to turn to JD McKissic and Jaret Patterson as a replacement.
McKissic is more of a receiving threat than running back. Patterson, an undrafted rookie, has played just four offensive snaps this season. He has two carries for nine yards. It was Patterson whom Washington chose over veteran Peyton Barber for their RB3.
Barber was released during final cuts before the season and brought back on the practice squad. But, the Las Vegas Raiders stepped in signing him away before the season.
Last week, Barber rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries in the Raiders’ overtime win over the Miami Dolphins. Ironically no Washington running back has had a 100-yard game this season.
Barber was viewed as nothing more than a short-yardage back in Washington. While the Raiders’ offensive scheme is different, Barber thrived in his first opportunity as the featured back in place of the injured Josh Jacobs.
If Gibson isn’t able to go against the Falcons, Patterson and/or McKissic will need to step up. If they’re unable to perform at an acceptable rate, eyes will focus on Barber and wondering if letting Barber go was the right move.
