Commanders running back Antonio Gibson broke some news Wednesday.
The fourth-year running back out of Memphis, when asked about his offensive role, replied,
“Right now, I would say third-down back, but we all just out there working, trying to make each other better and prepare for the season right now.”
When asked to clarify, Gibson responded,
“Almost like that [J.D. McKissic] role, you know, third-down back end of the game situation, end of the half situation, and things like that. And then, you know, whatever those guys got playing outside of that, you know, I could take that on too.”
It is a role that could see Gibson running much less between the tackles, and utilizing his quickness, getting him the ball in more open space. Gibson was asked about his feelings towards the role and affirmed,
“I feel fine. Like I said, we all going to practice like we’re starters, and we just going to make each other better and keep working.”
When asked twice about the current running back market in the NFL trending downward, Gibson didn’t take the bait, stating both times he supports the other backs to get paid what they deserve, “but right now, it’s the first day at camp, my mind is right here with this team and what we got planned for the rest of the season.”
Of course, Gibson would like to be the full-time starter, and he even said he understands how all players want that for themselves.
“I feel like everybody should have that same mindset. That’s where I went to say, like, we’re going to practice like we’re starters, everybody’s capable of doing more than what, you know, coach needs, but we’re going to do what coach needs, and if they ask for more, we’re going to do more. So, you know, everybody going to play their role, but we’re going to practice like we all starters.”
Gibson likes what he sees in fellow running back, second-year man Brian Robinson.
“He looks good; he always got a positive attitude. He knows how to work, you know, he comes in, and he’s ready…So, he’s being more vocal this year and he looks good to me.”