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When the Washington Commanders selected Antonio Gibson in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft, many believed they were getting a versatile offensive weapon. Instead, Washington had its starting running back.
As a rookie in 2020, Gibson quickly became Washington’s No. 1 running back, rushing for 795 yards, 11 touchdowns and averaging 4.6 yards per attempt. The former college wide receiver also contributed 36 receptions.
In 2022, Gibson went over 1,000 yards for the first time, rushing for 1,037 yards and seven touchdowns. He added 42 receptions and three receiving touchdowns. Unfortunately, he fumbled six times that season.
The Commanders drafted Brian Robinson Jr. in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft. Robinson took over as the starting back last season, relegating Gibson to a backup role and third-down work. In his new role, Gibson rushed for 546 yards, but had a career-high 46 receptions.
With Robinson now established as the lead back and J.D. McKissic no longer on the roster, Gibson is now Washington’s third-down back. In that role, he’ll be on the field on most passing downs while also operating as Robinson’s primary backup.
Under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Gibson will be used more in the way many expected him to be when he was drafted. Under former offensive coordinator Scott Turner, the Commanders used Gibson in between the tackles far too often and didn’t create enough opportunities for him in space.
A big-play threat in college, Gibson is excited about the possibility of playing wide receiver for Bieniemy.
“Just lining up out wide, like you said,” Gibson said in an interview with Washington’s official website, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com. “I haven’t shown my position. I feel the same way. Every year we talk about it, but it hasn’t happened.”