The Washington Football Team has signed veteran running back Lamar Miller from the Chicago Bears' practice squad, JP Finlay reports for NBC Sports Washington.
The move doesn't spell the best news for rookie running back Antonio Gibson, who's battling a turf toe injury that caused him to miss last week's game against the 49ers. Gibson did not practice on Wednesday, although head coach Ron Rivera said he's made "good progress" with the injury.
Miller, 29, missed all of 2019 with a torn ACL and hasn't registered a carry since 2018. He appeared in one game for Chicago since being signed to the Bear's practice squad, catching two balls for six yards in a Week 10 game against Minnesota.
Miller gives Washington an experienced back who can carry a heavy load. He was a Pro Bowler in his last productive season, with 973 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 210 carries for the Texans in 2018. He also caught 25 balls for an additional touchdown that year.
Gibson leads Washington in rushing yards (659) and carries (141). Peyton Barber is second in carries (85), while J.D. McKissic has toted the ball 66 times. With 11 touchdowns on the season, Gibson isn’t easily replaced, but this appears to be Washington’s attempt at doing so.
Per Finlay, Miller will be unavailable to play in Washington's game against Seattle on Sunday, as he must first test negative for COVID-19 six times before joining the team.
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