Washington Commanders rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. has taken off since becoming the team’s unquestioned starter in the backfield. Over Washington’s last six games, Robinson has carried the football 15 times or more in five of those games.
Robinson’s increased workload meant a different role for former starter Antonio Gibson. Over the last four games, Gibson has averaged seven rushing attempts per game. He has 10 attempts in the previous two games.
While Gibson hasn’t carried the ball as much, he’s Washington’s primary kick returner, a role in which he has excelled. In addition, he’s the team’s third-down back.
As the Commanders head into a critical Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns, Gibson is battling an injury.
“Antonio’s got a sprain, so we’re going to have to monitor that very closely this week,” head coach Ron Rivera said.
Reporters asked Rivera if Gibson was dealing with an ankle sprain.
“He has a sprain,” Rivera said. “We’ll give you the full report tomorrow when we practice.”
Rivera is holding out one more day until Washington releases its first injury report of the week.
Gibson was replaced as kick returner late in Saturday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
If Gibson can’t go, that would mean an increased role for Jonathan Williams who has impressed each time he’s received an opportunity. The Commanders would also likely bring up Jaret Patterson.
We’ll have more on Gibson later in the week.
