It’s still somewhat early in the 2022 NFL preseason, with one game under our belts and training camps still going on.
So it’s not time to panic yet about much, but if we’re reading tea leaves about something, it’s worth noting.
Which leads me to: Antonio Gibson’s training camp is going kind of badly.
Like, enough to write about bad.
As some reporters and fantasy football experts noted, he’s had some troubles that coaches have talked about, and he was on special teams duty Tuesday.
If you’re doing your fantasy football research, this is a moment you might want to hit the alarm. I’m here to both agree and to tell you to pause for a sec, then deliver a verdict.
This isn't great
RB Antonio Gibson is playing the slot on punt block, which I believe is a new development.
STs coordinator Nate Kaczor likes RBs in the slot bc the role is similar to pass protection. In the past, it’s been rookie Brian Robinson.
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) August 16, 2022
Punt*** not punt block
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) August 16, 2022
Not a great sign for Antonio Gibson fantasy owners https://t.co/yGsmPQmKFT
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 16, 2022
This is also bad
OC Scott Turner on RB Antonio Gibson's fumbles: "You can't waste a possession; if you fumble the ball that's a waste of a possession. The first job is to protect the ball. It's something that has to be fixed."
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 16, 2022
During 1:30 drill, RB Antonio Gibson is running with the third-team offense.
This the period after Gibson was blocking on the punt team. Ron Rivera sending a message.
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) August 16, 2022
Here's why you shouldn't panic
Because it’s one day of camp.
And because Gibson is still the best RB the Commaners have, a complete runner and pass catcher who finished last year nicely. Despite the presence of J.D. McKissic, any concerns about workload are already baked into his ADP. He’s basically going to be drafted as an RB3, and that’s not too bad.
And if he drops because of this? More value!
That said: Uh …
Here's why you should panic
Because fumbling and running backs don’t mix. And we’re talking about a running back who lost the ball three out of the five times he fumbled.
So he’s probably on a short leash to begin with, and now you’ve got him in the dog house in the middle of camp.
Antonio Gibson truthers ignoring every bit of camp news.
— Jeff Bell (@4WhomJBellTolls) August 16, 2022
Verdict: Thumbs down
I wasn’t high on Gibson to begin with. McKissic just plays too many downs in the Commanders’ offense for me to lean too hard on Gibson as a true top back.
And now there’s this? I think there are RBs with more upside where Gibson’s slotted to be taken.
UPDATE: WELP!
Coach Rivera signals the starting RB job is up for grabs pic.twitter.com/yJnxOUjSBm
— NBC Sports Commanders (@NBCSCommanders) August 16, 2022
