Could Antonio Gibson concede key backfield role to Brian Robinson Jr.?

The Washington Commanders‘ running back room might be the roster’s biggest strength entering training camp. The defensive line probably takes the cake when all four starters are healthy, but fans are justified in hyping up the team’s backfield.

With Antonio Gibson entering a pivotal Year 3 after he finished sixth in the NFL in rushing (1,037 yards) in 2021, JD McKissic back and expected to fill his familiar third down and change-of-pace role, and rookie third-rounder Brian Robinson Jr. providing the thunder off the bench, the Commanders’ backfield could end up one of the most productive in the league when all is said and done in 2022.

While the group’s potential is sky-high, we’re intrigued to see how the touches are fractionated. Gibson’s talent is evident, but he was clearly overworked last season with 258 carries (fourth-most of any running back).

How many carries and snaps will Gibson concede to Robinson, who compiled 1,314 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 5.0 YPC in his final season at Alabama? Will Washington ease the former Crimson Tide star into things as a rookie or entrust him with key roles and throw him into the fire straight out of the gates?

That remains to be seen, but The Athletic’s Ben Standig floated the possibility of Robinson supplanting Gibson as the goal-line back.

Could rookie Brian Robinson Jr. supplant Antonio Gibson as the Commanders goal-line running back?

Here’s what Standig said of Washington’s crowded backfield.

"Washington selected running back Brian Robinson to be a between-the-tackles hammer. The third-round selection looked the part (in OTAs and minicamp). It will be interesting to see whether Robinson or Antonio Gibson, who remains the lead back, handles goal-line/short-yardage situations. Often the rookie gets eased into such scenarios, but Gibson’s penchant for fumbles combined with Robinson’s ball security and interior running could flip this toward the Alabama alum."

This is definitely something to keep an eye on, as Gibson fumbled six times last campaign, the most of any running back in the NFL. For context, quarterbacks Russell Wilson, Lamar Jackson, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Joe Burrow and Matthew Stafford had just as many or fewer fumbles and they touch the ball on every play.

Two of Gibson’s lost fumbles were unforgivable, and all four put his team in unfavorable situations, to say the least.

The first came in Week 1 against the Chargers after William Jackson intercepted Justin Herbert. Leading 16-13 with 12 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Washington assumed possession at its own four-yard line. The very next play, Gibson fumbled. Three plays later, LA scored and went on to win 20-16.

The second came in Week 11 vs the Panthers. While Washington ended up winning the game, Gibson coughed up the rock at Carolina’s 13-yard line with the Football Team knocking on the door and the Panthers’ D on the ropes.

There’s never a good time for a fumble, but all four of Gibson’s lost fumbles cost Washington dearly in terms of game script and momentum.

While the Memphis product was hard at work this offseason to rectify this issue, his role as the Commanders’ short-yardage and goal-line back is seemingly anything but secure with the sure-handed Robinson now in the fold.