Antonio Gibson’s injury could be major news for the NFC East
The Washington Football Team has a chance to make the postseason. They could be doing it without lead runner Antonio Gibson.
Every year, the NFL Draft will have some sleepers that surprise many early in their careers. At this point, it’s safe to say Antonio Gibson is one of them.
Drafted in the fourth round out of Memphis, many expected Gibson to be the scatback or third-down runner for the Washington Football Team. Move over other running backs, because through 11 weeks, the rookie has been the team’s leading man.
So what happens now if he’s unable to go Monday against the Pittsburgh Steelers? More importantly, what if he can’t go for an extended period of time?
Gibson left Monday’s game in the first quarter after grabbing his toe. He was immediately looked at by the training staff, who tried to tape it up for him to return. Instead, it’s looking doubtful he will return in a pivotal game for Ron Rivera’s squad.
Washington RB Antonio Gibson is doubtful to return tonight due to a toe injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 7, 2020
How could this affect Washington’s race for the playoffs?
According to Pro Football Focus’ Mario Pilato, a toe injury of this severity could force him to miss more than just a week. Although they were heavy underdogs, Washington might have been able to pull off an upset against the Steelers on Monday since the game was being played on short notice due to COVID-19 protocols earlier this week.
#WashingtonFootball RB Antonio Gibson suffered a toe injury. Prediction: w/ reports he won’t return to the game I expect Gibson to be suffering from a Grade 2. Grade 2 he will miss a week or more.
— Mario Pilato (@PFF_Mario) December 7, 2020
The real storyline would be for Weeks 14 and 15 as Washington is set to face the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, one of whom lost to the NFC East-rival New York Giants earlier this week. Hoping to stay alive in the NFC East playoff contention, all hands will be needed on offense to secure a postseason spot in the first year of the Ron Rivera era.
Gibson is coming off his best game on Thanksgiving, in which he tallied 115 yards off 20 carries and scored three touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys. For the year, the former Tiger punt returner-turned-leading rusher has collected 645 yards on 113 carries and scored 11 touchdowns.
The Steelers currently lead 7-0 entering the middle of the second quarter.
dark. Next. Steelers tie record for sack total to prove defense is elite