Commanders 2026 Draft Pick Quickly Claimed by NFL Team

The Washington Commanders ultimately will not have a decision to make in the running back room.

Running back Kaytron Allen was claimed by the Miami Dolphins on Friday afternoon, exactly one day after the Washington Commanders opted to waive the rookie. Allen also became the first roster cut casualty from the 2026 draft class as Allen arrived in Washington as one of two picks in the sixth round, but now adds a question mark for a front office that entered the draft with limited capital to work with.

Allen also heads to a team that is already familiar with him given the rookie rushed for 85 yards and one touchdown against the Dolphins in the preseason opening win for an encouraging NFL debut. The rookie now heads to a backfield that saw De'Von Achane already go down with a season ending ACL injury, while he joins Ollie Gordon, Jaylen Wright and Carlos Washington in the week five.

Though a deflating blow given general manager Adam Peters confirmed on Friday morning that the team hoped to get the Penn State product back on the practice squad should he clear waivers, the reality is the Commanders made the move as they approach week five with a long list of injuries and a handful of notable inactives.

With Stefon Diggs sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Washington ruled wide receiver Terry McLaurin among Friday's batch of questionable tags alongside the trio of players who came off injured reserve to return to practice ahead of week five. That includes running back Jeremy McNichols, who also accounts for the Commanders' midseason roster shakeup at the position. Austin Ekeler also stuck out for Washington in the week four loss in London despite signing with the team just days prior. Rachaad White is also set to return on Sunday after missing the week four loss with a shoulder injury, meaning the Commanders will just need to answer who ends up serving as the third running back in the rotation in week five.

Allen's tenure with Washington ends after totaling 41 yards on 12 carries, while the Virginia native arrived in the organization after becoming Penn State's all-time leading rusher.

Looking to avoid a 1-4 start to the 2026 regular season, the Commanders will look to bounce back to secure their first divisional win of the season when they host the New York Giants on Oct. 11. Kickoff is set for 1 PM ET.