Commanders Waive Rookie Running Back Kaytron Allen

The Washington Commanders have waived rookie running back Kaytron Allen, ending his brief tenure with the team. The move, reported Thursday, was made to clear roster space for veteran Jeremy McNichols, who is returning from injury.

Allen, a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, had seen action in all four of Washington's games this season, recording 41 rushing yards on 12 carries. His release comes as the Commanders already have a crowded running back room, which includes Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez, and Austin Ekeler.

If Allen clears waivers, the Commanders may look to re-sign him to their practice squad. However, if he is claimed by another team, Washington would lose a player selected with a 2026 draft pick.

Allen joined the Commanders after spending four seasons at Penn State, where he accumulated 4,180 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns. His release occurs as the Commanders currently sit at the bottom of the NFC North with a 1-3 record.

Despite the team's early struggles, head coach Dan Quinn expressed confidence in the team's resolve. "A fire is lit, and it’s going to stay lit," Quinn said following the team's recent loss. "I know the resolve of the team, and sometimes there are some storms. It doesn’t always happen the first couple of games. But we’re more than equipped to weather that one."

Quinn added that teams sometimes need to experience adversity to demonstrate their resilience. "Sometimes a team has to go through these struggles to show their resolve, their ability to hit adversity and keep battling through it."