BREAKING: Commanders' Leading Rusher Sidelined By Hamstring Injury For Key Matchup
Antonio Gibson ruled out for Week 15 clash with Giants
Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson has been ruled out for Sunday's key matchup with the New York Giants due to a hamstring injury.
Gibson, who leads the Commanders in rushing yards (546) and touchdowns (six), suffered the injury during the team's Week 14 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. He was listed as questionable on the team's injury report all week but ultimately was unable to suit up for Sunday's contest.
Gibson's absence is a significant blow to the Commanders' offense. The 24-year-old has been one of the team's few consistent playmakers this season, averaging 5.0 yards per carry and scoring a touchdown in six of his 11 games played.
Without Gibson, the Commanders will likely turn to running back Brian Robinson Jr., who has 340 rushing yards and two touchdowns in seven games played this season. Robinson is a physical runner who has shown the ability to break tackles and gain tough yards, but he is still relatively inexperienced.
The Commanders will also have running back J.D. McKissic available, who has 245 rushing yards and 175 receiving yards in 10 games played this season. McKissic is a versatile back who can line up in the slot or out of the backfield, but he is not as effective running the ball between the tackles as Gibson or Robinson.
The Commanders will face a Giants defense that is allowing an average of 122 rushing yards per game, which is 22nd in the NFL. However, the Giants have been playing better as of late, allowing just 75 rushing yards per game in their last three contests.
The Commanders will need to find a way to replace Gibson's production if they want to beat the Giants and stay in the playoff race. Robinson and McKissic will need to step up and produce, and the offensive line will need to open up some holes for them to run through.