It’s been a difficult few weeks for Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson. In the first preseason game against Carolina, Gibson looked good until he fumbled. That opened the door for rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr.
Robinson immediately took advantage of his opportunity while Gibson was working with the backups and on special teams as the kick returner.
Sadly, Robinson was shot in an attempted carjacking late last month, and the Commanders placed him on the non-football injury list to begin the season, meaning he will miss at least four weeks. While the long-term prognosis for Robinson is outstanding, his short-term situation re-opens the door for Gibson.
Gibson was off the fantasy football radar last month when Robinson appeared to be Washington’s No. 1 back. While Gibson was still going to have a role in the Commanders’ backfield, his volume was less certain. Now, the player who has rushed for over 1,800 yards and 18 touchdowns through two NFL seasons could be one of the top fantasy options for Week 1.
Samantha Previte of The Action Network believes Gibson is one of the running backs who should definitely be starting.
Gibson’s fantasy stock has been on quite the rollercoaster since the beginning of the offseason. His ADP plummeted during training camp amid concerning reports that he would be returning kicks and that rookie Brian Robinson Jr. had been making strides. Many expected at least somewhat of a timeshare between Gibson and Robinson would develop. Unfortunately for Robinson, the former Crimson Tide running back was involved in a shooting and will miss significant time which puts Gibson back into fantasy relevance.
Gibson gets a cupcake matchup against a soft Jaguars run defense. He is a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside in Week 1.
While I don’t believe Jacksonville’s defense will be as “soft” as it was last season, this is a good matchup for Gibson. J.D. McKissic will also see plenty of snaps but in a different role. Gibson should see anywhere from 15-20 touches in this game, perhaps more.
Gibson has a tremendous opportunity in front of him over the next four weeks.
