Will Antonio Gibson Have An Expanded Role In Washington's Backfield? Fantasy Football Outlook

Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson was a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Gibson also had 33 rushing attempts for 369 yards and four touchdowns his senior year at Memphis.

The rookie running back averaged 4.7 yards per rushing attempt in 2022. Gibson ended the year with 170 rushing attempts for 795 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was the RB12 that year, averaging 13.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Furthermore, his 11 rushing touchdowns were the seventh-most in the NFL that year.

Gibson had another productive year in 2021, totaling 258 rushing attempts for 1,037 yards and seven touchdowns. He also played a role in the passing game with 42 receptions on 52 targets for 294 receiving yards and three touchdowns that season. Unfortunately, things changed in 2022.

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What Did Antonio Gibson Accomplish In 2022?

The Commanders spent a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft on Brian Robinson Jr. He led the team in rushing attempts (205) and yards (707) despite missing the first four games last year. Meanwhile, Gibson saw his role on offense shrink.

Despite missing only two games last season, Gibson had only 149 rushing attempts for 546 yards and three touchdowns, all career lows. Furthermore, he averaged only 3.7 yards per rushing attempt, also the lowest average of his career. However, the third-year running back had a significant role in the passing game.

Gibson had 46 receptions on 58 targets for 353 receiving yards and two touchdowns last season. He posted a career-high in receptions, targets, and receiving yards in 2022.

Will Antonio Gibson Have An Expanded Role In Washington's Backfield?

While the young running back is coming off a disappointing season, head coach Ron Rivera says he hopes to get Gibson more touches this season.

Robinson will remain the early downs running back. However, the former Memphis star should become the new pass-catching running back in Washington. Veteran J.D. McKissic got released this offseason after battling neck injuries over the past few years.

More importantly, Eric Bieniemy’s offense is suited for Gibson. Last year, Jerick McKinnon had 56 receptions for 512 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in Kansas City with Bieniemy. Hopefully, the offensive coordinator can turn Gibson into his new version of McKinnon.

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