The Washington Commanders made a roster move on Thursday that had everyone talking. Washington released rookie running back Kaytron Allen after four games, with 12 carries for 41 yards. Essentially, the Commanders were choosing 31-year-old Austin Ekeler and 30-year-old Jeremy McNichols over the sixth-round pick from Penn State.
Washington had hoped to get Allen back on the practice squad, but the NFL’s worst team, the Miami Dolphins, had a hole at running back andclaimed Allen off waivers. Fans were upset at general manager Adam Peters. How could Peters release a rookie draft pick?
The truth is, Ekeler and McNichols are better than Allen. A developmental running back who isn’t dynamic is easy to replace. Make of Washington’s current running backs
situation what you will, but Allen certainly wasn’t the answer. The Commanders hope the combination of Ekeler, McNichols, Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White can help revive a stagnant running game.
On Friday, Peters joined the Sports Junkies on 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C., for his weekly spot and explained why the Commanders moved on from Allen.
“We’re not down on Kaytron at all; we really like Kaytron,” Peters said. “Certainly, you never want to release a guy; it sucks to release a guy at any point in time, but certainly a guy you like and has shown promise. But really think, you know, this may sound like coachspeak or GM-speak, but every move you make, you are trying to do whatever you can for the best of the team to win the game and have the best season possible.”
Peters then admitted Washington needed roster space. Remember, the Commanders opened the 21-day windows for three players on injured reserve this week: cornerback Trey Amos, running back Jeremy McNichols and defensive end Deatrich Wise. Allen’s departure likely paves the way for McNichols’ return, but other moves are likely, too.
The people who want to criticize Peters will criticize him regardless. He’s earned plenty of criticism. This is just not one of those cases. Allen is gone, but the Commanders can likely sign a similar player to their practice squad. As for Allen, he now has the chance to go somewhere with no pressure and develop at his own pace.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders GM Adam Peters explains release of rookie running back
