Why isn t Antonio Gibson playing?

Being on the injury report is nothing new for Washington Football Team RB Antonio Gibson or his fantasy football managers. However, this week, there has been genuine concern Gibson might not be able to suit up. Let’s take a look at the latest regarding Gibson’s availability in Week 16, who would be his backup if he misses time, and what fantasy managers should consider doing.

Update 12/26/21: Antonio Gibson is officially active and will play tonight against Dallas.

Is Antonio Gibson playing against the Dallas Cowboys?

Gibson has not practiced at all in Week 16 with his toe injury. That led to him being listed as questionable heading into the weekend. This is not the first time there have been question marks around Gibson this season. Nonetheless, he has yet to miss a game in 2021, having managed to play through his injuries.

This week is different, though. Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Gibson will be a game-time decision. Rapoport did add that there is optimism that he goes. Unfortunately, we do not know what that means regarding how much he might play.

Washington may have to turn to Jaret Patterson and Wendell Smallwood this week

It will be interesting to see how Washington handles the RB position this week. Jaret Patterson has been on the roster all season and is largely viewed as the direct backup for Gibson. Therefore, we could see more of Patterson this week if Gibson is limited. Patterson has 155 yards and a touchdown on 41 rushing attempts this season.

Washington also added Wendell Smallwood to the roster, with J.D. McKissic being placed on the injured reserve with a neck injury. Smallwood has only played in one game this season and was viewed as a more direct backup for McKissic. Additionally, Washington has elevated Jonathan Williams from the practice squad in the last two weeks. However, if they do so again, they will have to sign him to the roster — he has already been promoted the maximum number of times (twice).

Can fantasy managers trust Antonio Gibson in Week 16?

It isn’t easy to know how to approach the situation with Gibson this week. If he is active, instinct will say to start him because he has been a solid fantasy option for most of the season. Still, starting a player who comes in with an injury is a huge risk. The risk that Gibson leaves the game with injury is magnified.

Fantasy managers have a tough decision to make with Gibson — start him and risk him going out injured early on, or look elsewhere. Further complicating the decision is the fact this is a Sunday prime-time game. If Gibson is a late inactive, fantasy managers will have limited options.

Making that decision harder is the uncertainty surrounding the backfield if Gibson is out. We do not know for certain who Washington might turn to at the RB position. That makes it tough to know who to roster as the traditional handcuff.

If you have Gibson and want to give him a chance, it is likely worth rostering both Patterson and Williams. Consequently, if Williams is activated ahead of the 4 PM ET window on Sunday, you can judge based on the latest reports who to start. However, it is worth remembering that Washington RBs had just 18 rush attempts last time against the Cowboys, and they could be chasing the game again this week.

Sometimes snubs can turn into motivation, and Washington Commanders fans will be hoping that's exactly what happens after Pro Football Focus left running back Antonio Gibson off its list of top 20 running backs for the 2022 NFL Season.

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

© Brad Mills | 2020 Nov 22

This list was compiled comparing only projected starters for the new league year, so no backups with star power were included to muddy up the waters. Meaning, of the 32 starting backs in the NFL, PFF thinks Gibson is in the bottom 12 of them. 

There were six tiers the 20 backs that did make the list were divided between. Starting with "Tier 1: Elite" and ending with "Tier 6: Solid Starters".

"Teams are looking for complementary skill sets and running backs that can split the workload at a position that has tended to have a short shelf life," wrote PFF. "That makes this list of the top-20 running backs entering the 2022 season an interesting mix of the few remaining three-down backs and players who have been efficient in more balanced committees."

There are some names on the list that most won't argue belong there, and certainly could or should be ranked ahead of Gibson at this juncture. 

Guys like Derrick Henry (Titans), Jonathan Taylor (Colts), and Alvin Kamara (Saints). 

But there are also those that are a little more of a head-scratcher. 

Like Buffalo Bills running back Devin Singletary. 

Singletary has yet to break 1,000-yards rushing in a single season, while Gibson not only did so in 2021, he actually finished with the sixth-most rushing yards among backs last year despite his team playing from behind for much of it. 

Both men had seven rushing touchdowns, and while Gibson had six fumbles, Singletary had five.

Gibson also topped Singletary in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches. 

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

© Brad Mills | 2020 Oct 25

The final piece of evidence I'll present is the fact the Buffalo Bills went into the NFL Draft targeting a player in James Cook (Georgia) who does much of what Singletary does - but might do it better eventually - while the Washington Commanders added Brian Robinson Jr. (Alabama) who is expected to bring an additional dynamic to the group to pair with Gibson.

This isn't intended to be a hit piece on Singletary by any means, and his presence on the list is likely explained by the singular area he significantly outshines Gibson: His PFF grade. 

Pro Football Focus may not value Gibson highly, but the Washington Commanders certainly hold him in high regard, as do fans of the team and player. 

And something tells me his ranking on this list may be a little different this time next year.