Washington Commanders Release 2026 Draft Pick Ahead of Week Five

The Washington Commanders appear to be making a change in their backfield ahead of week five.

The team announced on Thursday that rookie running back Kaytron Allen was waived, marking a shakeup for running backs coach Anthony Lynn. The Penn State product was one of two selections in the sixth round pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The move also comes as somewhat of a surprise given the Virginia native rounded out the rotation spearheaded by Bill Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White through the first three games before Austin Ekeler loomed large in the week four loss against the Indianapolis Colts. Yet the decision to waive Allen now also comes after running back Jeremy McNichols was activated off injured reserve and returned to practice with his 21 day window officially open. The Commanders have already filled the practice squad after a series of moves this week, though the hope is the Commanders will re-sign the rookie to the practice squad should he clear waivers.

Allen turned heads in the preseason opening win against the Miami Dolphins after averaging nearly four yards per carry while totaling 85 yards and one touchdown, yet that production has struggled to translate into the regular season. Allen did not receive a carry in the week three win against the Seattle Seahawks and has logged no more than five carries in any of his other three appearances. The rookie has amassed 41 yards on 12 attempts, while his nine yard run against the Dallas Cowboys marked his longest run during his early NFL stint.

Whether the Commanders turn to McNichols or Ekeler in the rotation this upcoming weekend remains a question mark, though offensive coordinator David Blough will have a big piece back in the lineup after noting on Thursday that quarterback Jayden Daniels is a "full go" against the New York Giants in week five.

Croskey-Merritt, McNichols and White were all limited in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday as the Commanders work through a long list of injuries already one month into the 2026 regular season.

The Commanders also enter week five ranked eighth in the NFL with 124 rushing yards per game, though are tied with the Giants and Las Vegas Raiders for the second-fewest rushing touchdowns this season.

Looking to avoid a 1-4 start, Washington is set for their second game at Northwest Stadium when the Giants arrive on Sunday, Oct. 11 with kickoff set for 1 PM ET.