The Washington Football Team ruled out rookie running back Antonio Gibson for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers with a toe injury.
Gibson is battling a turf toe injury that he suffered in Monday’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Coach Ron Rivera said earlier this week that was “concerned” the injury could linger, given that running backs can miss multiple weeks with the injury.
Gibson’s absence, however, was expected as the 22-year-old did not practice this week. Still, the loss is a big blow to Washington’s offense as Gibson had become one of the team’s top weapons.
Through 12 games, Gibson has 659 rushing and 233 receiving yards for 11 touchdowns.
Without Gibson, Washington will look to Peyton Barber and J.D. McKissic to handle its workload on the ground.
Barber will likely be the team’s first and second down back. This year, Barber is averaging just 2.7 yards per carry and has 196 yards total. But Rivera said he had confidence in the veteran to handle a bigger role.
“It’s a physical style,” Rivera said, describing Barber’s game. “He’s got great vision. He’s a stick his foot in the ground and get downhill type of guy. I do appreciate that.”
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