Washington Commanders Sign Former New Orleans Saints Running Back

The Washington Commanders are adding another running back.

Reports broke on Tuesday morning that running back Devin Neal is joining the Commanders' practice squad.

The news also comes days after the Commanders waived rookie running back Kaytron Allen, who was one of two sixth round selections in the 2026 Draft before he was claimed by the Miami Dolphins the next day. General manager Adam Peters reiterated the team wanted to re-sign Allen to the practice squad should he clear waivers, though the failure to bring back the Virginia native opened the door for the practice squad addition.

While a corresponding roster move has not yet been announced, Neal began his career with the New Orleans Saints as a sixth round pick in the 2025 Draft. Neal played sparingly through the first two months of the season before stepping into an elevated role over the final month where he drew at least seven carries in four consecutive games. Neal's best performance came in the week 14 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after he totaled 70 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries. Neal also recorded touchdowns in each of his final two appearances in 2025.

Neal's rookie season ended after he totaled 206 yards and two touchdowns on 57 carries, equating to 3.6 yards per carry, while adding 104 receiving yards on 17 catches and 19 targets. Yet his stint in New Orleans was cut short after suffering a hamstring injury during preseason ahead of the 2026 regular season. Neal then joined the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad after a workout before being waived days later, leading him to now head to Washington exactly one week later in hopes of jumpstarting his NFL career in year two.

The news also comes as the Commanders await an update on the status of Jeremy McNichols, who was one of three players that had their 21 day practice window opened ahead of week five after starting the regular season on injured reserve. McNichols re-signed with the team on a one-year deal after becoming a key piece of the 2025 rotation with all eyes on when he makes his 2026 debut.

McNichols will soon join a running back room currently anchored by Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler as the Commanders rank among the best rushing attacks across the NFL, even as the offense struggles to gain consistency amid injuries and a first year coordinator. Croskey-Merritt narrowly leads the team in rushing over quarterback Jayden Daniels while the Commanders are averaging 4.7 yards per carry through five games.