After a brutal loss in overtime to the New Orleans Saints, Washington received even worse news after the game. Running back Chris Thompson, the team's biggest difference maker this season and their top receiving and running threat, suffered a fractured fibula in Sunday's game and will miss the remainder of the 2017 season.
Thompson started the game on a great note as a significant fixture in this offense. He got open for a 16-yard touchdown to start the game and contributed 16 rushing yards. Then on a pass play where Kirk Cousins rolled out and took off for run, Thompson's leg was rolled up on by Saints' defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins. Thompson immediately hit the turf in pain and a short time after coming out, trainers put an air cast on Thompson's right leg.
The absence of Thompson will be significant for Washington. Thompson led the team in rushing yards (277), receptions (38), receiving yards (494) and tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns (three). Whether he got open deep or worked the short fields as an option for Cousins to throw to when pressure came, Washington's offense found success when they got the ball in Thompson's hands.
Now with the 27-year-old running back out, the team will turn to two players for greater production and a heavier involvement going forward. Running back Samaje Perine, who broke out with 117 rushing yards and a touchdown, will become the featured running back in this offense.
For Thompsons' role as a pass catcher, Jamison Crowder will be asked to step up in an even greater way and should see more targets as a result. While Cousins likes to spread the ball around, he lost his favorite target on Sunday and might take a fantasy hit going forward.