Team news: Washington Commanders

While discussing Antonio Gibson's lingering hamstring injury, Washington beat reporter Ben Standig mentioned, "at a minimum, Robinson is expected to handle short-yardage work", which would give the rookie a floor as a goal-line back.

Related Players: Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic

Standig also mentions, "Washington plans to find ways to get Gibson the ball in space rather than force him inside.". That sounds fine on paper, but the Commanders made sure that they brought back J.D. McKissic to repeat his third-down role, creating a logjam in the backfield with no real upside for any of the three pieces.

Washington plans to find ways to get Antonio Gibson the ball in space rather than force him inside. Part of the logic involves limiting wear and tear. The presence of rookie Brian Robinson affords that shift.

The Commanders, having already retained pass catching specialist J.D. McKissic, selected the Alabama standout known for power and ball security in the third round. At a minimum, Robinson is expected to handle short-yardage work, duties given to Gibson last season following the release of Peyton Barber.

Rivera called Robinson "a big, strong, powerful downhill runner, more so than anything else.” The story said Robinson popped some solid runs while primarily holding down first-team duties Wednesday. He’ll receive ample work with the starters as long as this cautious approach with Gibson remains, it went on to say.

Antonio Gibson opens training camp on the side field.

Related players: J.D. McKissic

As Finlay pointed out, Gibson missed a bit of minicamp with hamstring twinge too. Gibson can have a tough time staying on the field but is one of the most intriguing RB2-types heading into the 2022 season. After an RB13 finish in 2020, he finished RB12 in 2021, but was 20th on a per game basis. He was 10th in touches per game (18.5) and his offensive line is a top-12 unit according to our offensive line guru, Justin Edwards. But, Gibson is currently the RB23 off the board in early drafts, probably because J.D. McKissic is back after briefly committing to the Bills, and Gibson’s targets were significantly higher (4.4 vs. 2.7 per game) when McKissic missed five games last season.

The Buffalo Bills had signed RB J.D. McKissic to a two-year deal, but McKissic has reversed course and returned to the Washington Commanders for the same deal.

Related Players: Zack Moss, Devin Singletary, Antonio Gibson

And you thought Antonio Gibson was free...

The Indianapolis Colts are trading for QB Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders for draft picks.

Nothing says mediocrity like Carson Wentz and the Commanders. Poor Terry McLaurin.

This also leaves a hole at QB for the Colts to fill via free agency or trade.

WFT WR Curtis Samuel (hamstring) and TE Ricky Seals-Jones (concussion) will not play Week 18 against the New York Giants.

Related Player: John Bates

Samuel was an injury bust this season, while RSJ showed signs of life backing up Logan Thomas for the WFT.

The WFT has activated RB Antonio Gibson from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Related Player: Jaret Patterson

WFT WR Curtis Samuel (hamstring) is questionable for Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Samuel's season has been a disaster and if active, he is nothing more than waiver wire fodder.

WFT RB Antonio Gibson has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Related Player: Jaret Patterson

Gibson is expected to miss Week 17 unless he somehow tests negative Saturday and Sunday.