The Washington Football Team has placed running back JD McKissic on injured reserve with a neck injury. McKissic will miss at least the next three games and will be eligible to return for Washington’s Week 18 game against the New York Giants.
McKissic missed Washington’s last two games with a concussion. He was carted off the field late in the fourth quarter of Washington’s Week 12 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
He cleared concussion protocols on Dec. 18, however, Washington announced he was still dealing with a neck injury as a result of the scary hit he took against the Seahawks.
A year after catching 80 passes, McKissic snagged in 43 catches for 397 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games this season. He also rushed for 212 yards and two touchdowns on 48 carries.
Washington’s season could be on brink with JD McKissic out
The loss of McKissic puts more of a workload on featured back Antonio Gibson. McKissic and Gibson were a dynamic duo with McKissic as one of the better third-down and receiving back.
Washington also has rookie Jaret Patterson and veteran Jonathan Williams. Neither aren’t known as receiving backs or third-down pass protection. The best option to supplement McKissic’s role is Wendell Smallwood. However, Smallwood will at least miss Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles due to COVID-19.
On the season, McKissic has been targeted 53 times in the passing game. Gibson has 38 targets. But, Gibson has 249 touches. He also leads all NFL running backs with six fumbles.
Washington is in the heat of the race for an NFC playoff spot regardless of Tuesday’s outcome. The hope is Smallwood can get back in time for Week 16 against Dallas. Smallwood is probably the best option to alleviate the load on Gibson.
Add in the fact wide receiver Curtis Samuel can’t seem to stay on the field and tight end Logan Thomas is out for the season. McKissic’s loss makes passing the football more daunting for Washington. That’s even when Taylor Heinicke is cleared from COVID-19 protocols.
Three games without McKissic this late in the year could be what breaks the season for Washington.
