The Washington Commanders are preparing for Sunday’s finale against the visiting Dallas Cowboys, but they are also preparing for next season … which is the next time we will see running back Antonio Gibson on the field.
Gibson has been placed on injured reserve, with a pair of corresponding moves, as the Commanders signed Jaret Patterson off the practice squad while also adding fellow running back Reggie Bonnafon to the practice squad.
Gibson sat out the 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday due to foot and knee injuries. … ailments that were sustained the week before in the Commanders’ 37-20 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 24.
Gibson amassed a total of 546 yards rushing and three touchdowns to go along with 46 catches for 353 yards and two scores in his 15 games. Gibson, 24, began the season as the team’s starting running back (and recorded six total starts) before rookie Brian Robinson Jr. assumed the role as the season progressed.
Robinson, as it happens, is also dealing with an injury (knee) as Washington, presently sitting at 7-8-1, has been eliminated from postseason contention. Sunday could be a showcase for Patterson, who appeared in two games as a temporary elevation this season but last year was in the mix with his 68 carries for 266 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games last season.
The Commanders play in the afternoon slot at FedEx against the 12-4 and playoff-bound Cowboys in a meeting that could have Washington jobs on the line. Offensive coordinator Scott Turner addressed that issue this week.
“That’s part of this league,” Turner said of the possibility of any coach anywhere being fired on Monday. “It could happen to anybody. It’s happened to guys that don’t expect it. I just do my job. Whatever happens after this week you go with it. I’m prepared to coach this game and get this team ready to be successful down the road.”
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