Antonio Gibson appears to be Commanders' top kick returner

Despite leading the Washington Commanders in rushing each of his first two seasons, running back Antonio Gibson appears to be shifting to a new role in 2022. Signs point to rookie Brian Robinson Jr. supplanting Gibson as the Commanders’ featured back. However, Gibson could get some of his touches back on special teams.

Gibson has been getting reps in practice at kick returner. In last week’s preseason loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, it was Gibson who took the opening kickoff. He netted 17 yards on the play. Robinson started at running back, but Gibson eventually got some snaps with the Commanders first offense and had a hand on the passing game with three catches for 37 yards.

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera believes Gibson is Washington’s top kick returner going into the season.

“I think you still need to see some more stuff, but you know, I think he is,” Rivera said, per Pete Hailey of NBC Sports Washington. “I do, I think he’s done a nice job.”

Gibson is more dynamic in open space. In college at Memphis, Gibson played multiple roles, including wide receiver and kick returner. As a senior, he averaged 28.0 yards a return with 23 returns for 645 yards and a touchdown.

“When you watch it on tape, you see him circling the ball, getting under it, making a good catch and you know, it’s something he did well in college and we’re pretty excited having him do it,” Rivera added. 

The Commanders drafted Gibson as a running back in 2020. He scored 11 rushing touchdowns as a rookie. Last season, he led Washington with 10 touchdowns, including seven on the ground along with his 1,037 rushing yards. Yet, he struggled with protecting the fumble.

Gibson’s six fumbles last year led the NFL among non-quarterbacks. Those struggles reoccurred in this year’s first preseason game, when Gibson lost a fumble on his second carry. Since, he’s yielded the RB1 duties to Robinson.

The good thing is, Gibson has versatility. If he is not the featured back, the Commanders will find a way to put the football in Gibson’s hands.