A desire to for an even more run-oriented offense served as one of the disagreements between Ron Rivera and since-ousted OC Scott Turner last season, with Rivera and the front office wanting to ramp up the team's efforts on the ground, despite ranking fourth in the NFL in rushing attempts in 2022.
Interestingly, the team passed on the several intriguing running back options that were available this offseason.
Despite that decision, Rivera still wants to add another piece at the position, John Keim of ESPN.com tweets. Washington released J.D. McKissic last month to clear some cap space. Rivera indicated Antonio Gibson, who was overtaken by Brian Robinson as the team’s lead running back, can step into the McKissic role.
Still, the Commanders can be expected to bring in another player at the position. The team’s potential sale has held up some offseason matters, including signing bonus finality, but a running back addition at this point in the offseason would likely not qualify as a major financial investment. This year brought a deep class of backs in free agency, but most have found homes — many doing so on low-cost deals. Ezekiel Elliott, Kareem Hunt and Leonard Fournette remain unattached, however.
Washington has used Round 3 to add each of its current backfield mainstays, taking Gibson in 2020 and Robinson in 2022. Gibson is going into a contract year. Former UDFA Jaret Patterson and veteran Jonathan Williams, signed off the Giants’ practice squad in December 2021, round out the Commanders’ backfield crew. These two can expect more competition for a roster spot to arrive soon.
Washington ranked 12th in rushing but just 28th in yards per carry last season. Robinson and Gibson each averaged under four yards per tote, but Robinson’s return from August gunshot wounds coincided with the team’s resurgence. Gibson also caught 46 passes, helping the aerial cause after McKissic was lost for the season after eight games. Robinson did not factor into the team’s passing game much as a rookie.
Bijan Robinson (Texas) and Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama) reside as this draft class’ top two backs, though it is viewed as a deep crop. Zach Charbonnet (UCLA), Devon Achane (Texas A&M) and Senior Bowl standout Tyjae Spears (Tulane) represent the top contingent of backs expected to be in consideration for Day 2 selections.
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