Washington HC Ron Rivera called RB Antonio Gibson's improvement this offseason "exciting." Gibson ran for 795 yards and 11 scores on 4.7 yards per carry as a rookie last year -- despite totaling just 33 carries in college. "You can tell he's matured, got a better feel and understanding," Rivera said. "Those natural instincts that you look for, the intangibles that guys that have been playing the positions their whole career naturally have. You start to see those come to light with Antonio." RBs coach Randy Jordan added that Gibson's comfort in the running scheme is "like night and day" between last year and this year. Washington is also looking to expand Gibson's role in the passing game this season. There's big-time breakout potential here.
The Athletic's Ben Standig has come away from spring practices believing RB Antonio Gibson is set to "become a bigger factor as a receiver" this season. Gibson was out-targeted 110 to 44 by RB J.D. McKissic last year. But Gibson beat McKissic in yards per target and just trailed him in yards per route run and Pro Football Focus receiving grade -- all as a rookie. Considering Gibson played some WR during his time at Memphis, it makes sense that he'd be capable of taking on a bigger role in the passing game this season. Locked in as Washington's lead ball-carrier, there's RB1 upside here depending on how many targets Gibson garners.
Washington RB Antonio Gibson admitted that the toe he injured last December isn't yet back to 100%. Gibson decided not to have surgery on the toe and is still rehabbing. "I've been cutting in practice ... and getting better each day," he said. "Definitely something to monitor. I've been fine like I said. I've been cutting and running full speed, making cuts I need to make. ... But I definitely got to watch and make sure I stay up on my treatment, so nothing goes south." The situation is something fantasy owners will need to monitor, too. Toe injuries can be tough to play through, especially for skill-position guys.
Washington HC Ron Rivera told insider JP Finlay that he's expecting a "big jump" from RB Antonio Gibson this season. Gibson exceeded expectations as a runner last year, averaging 4.7 yards per carry and scoring 11 times on 170 attempts. He added a 36-247-0 receiving line but should have more to offer there after playing both RB and WR in his final season at Memphis. Gibson has feature-back and RB1 potential in 2021.
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