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Antonio Gibson had quite the rookie season for the Washington Football Team in 2020. A third-round pick out of Memphis, Gibson would play in 14 games, making 10 starts and rushing for 795 yards and 11 touchdowns.
In training camp, Washington liked Gibson so much it released 2019’s top rushers, Adrian Peterson and Derrius Guice. While Guice’s release had more to do with his off-field troubles, it was clear the Football Team believed Gibson was the future, and the future was to begin in 2020.
If not for a nagging toe injury last season, Gibson likely would have eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark. He averaged 4.5 yards per attempt and had a nose for the end zone. He also had very few negative runs.
About that toe injury? Gibson recently spoke with JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington and gave an update on the injury.
“It’s fine,” Gibson said. “When I’m out there, I’m running; I’m making my cuts, jumping, whatever I need to do. Of course, it still gets sore, but every day I’m still out there running, so it’s not a problem on the field. It’s just something I’m going to have to take care of. Other than that, I’m completely fine.”
It certainly doesn’t sound like the toe injury will impact Gibson in 2021.
Speaking of 2021, Gibson believes the sky is the limit for Washington’s offense next season.
“We’ve got a lot of weapons,” Gibson said. “I feel like we’ve got a lot of deep threats, and that’s going to do nothing but open it up for me and for the offense. I feel like we’re going to be something to deal with.”
Gibson is right about those new additions. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and wide receivers Curtis Samuel and Adam Humphries came over via free agency, and Washington added Dyami Brown in the NFL draft.
When you add those players to a core that already includes Gibson, wide receiver Terry McLaurin, running back JD McKissic and tight end Logan Thomas, you can understand Gibson’s excitement.
If Washington can improve on offense in 2021, it has a chance to be one of the better teams in the NFC.