Washington Football Team still in amazing shape at running back

Even without Derrius Guice, the Washington Football Team is set at running back.

The Washington Football Team has a very young and promising offense. Of course, Dwayne Haskins is the quarterback of the future. Haskins had an up-and-down rookie year but ended on a high note. He’s had a great offseason and looks to be set up for some major improvements in the 2020 season.

Then there are the receivers. Terry McLaurin looked like a legitimate star in his rookie season in 2019. Fellow 2019 rookie Kelvin Harmon could be a stud — though he won’t be in 2020 after suffering a torn ACL that will keep him out for the year. And undrafted 2019 rookie Steven Sims Jr. looked incredible in the slot last season. Antonio Gandy-Golden is the rookie receiver this year and many expect big things from him.

There was particular intrigue about the running backs, though. And Derrius Guice was the primary reason for that. He was set to enter his third league with Washington this season but that, of course, won’t be happening. Following his arrest for domestic violence, he was released by the Football Team.

Subsequently, Washington lost the star of the backfield, the guy that was meant to be their dominant workhorse of the future. That means the position is in shambles, right? Well, not exactly. In fact, it is still one of the more exciting groups at the position in the league. But who all is still there?

Running back may actually be a strength for the Washington Football Team.

Peyton Barber, who the team signed in free agency this offseason, is still just 26 and has shown promise in his career. Maybe Washington can help the team turn a corner. Barber is also probably the least exciting player in the group. There is also J.D. McKissic, another 26-year-old in his first year with the team. He’s a fantastic receiving back and should find himself a nice role in 2020 and possibly beyond.

Adrian Peterson remains in place as well. Really no need to talk much about the 35-year-old. He’s one of the greatest to ever do it and has proven over the last two seasons that he can still be a workhorse back. Not only can he do it but he does it with incredible efficiency still.

That brings us to Bryce Love. Love missed all of his rookie season with an injury. However, he has all types of talent and there is a reason so many people are high on him. Great speed and shiftiness that could make him an absolute problem for defenses.

Finally, there is the rookie, Antonio Gibson. Gibson has legitimate home run potential. He can be a star in the passing game out of the backfield and has promise as a true running back. Admittedly though, Gibson likely won’t get tons of playing time in 2020.

Washington will want to take things a little slow with him. Get him involved in the game at a certain pace and give him more-and-more responsibility as things progress. Still, 2020 could see the rookie have a decent role that allows him to show off his playmaking abilities.

Not only is there still plenty to love about the backs but, while Guice had tons of potential, he only appeared in five games over two seasons with just 42 carries. They lost what he could’ve been not what he was for them.

Is losing Guice a blow? Absolutely. He had superstar talent but his injuries were a concern. And the move to let him loose following his arrest was the right one. Even if it’s a blow, though, Washington should be excited about their running backs.