Why did the Commanders release rookie running back?

Why did the Washington Commanders release Kaytron Allen?

In a surprise move on Thursday, the Commanders released rookie running back Kaytron Allen. The Commanders had drafted Allen out of Penn State. With the 187th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Commanders selected Allen. So what is happening?

The 5’11 “, 217-pound back has seen some action in each of the four Commanders games this 2026 season. Against the Eagles, Allen carried the ball four times for 16 yards. He collected 24 yards in five carries against the Cowboys. He didn’t get any offensive snaps against the Seahawks in Week 3, playing only 15 special team snaps. Finally, last week against the Colts gained a mere yard on three carries.

GM Adam Peters vowed last

January, after the season ended, that the Commanders would get younger and faster. So why release Allen? He is younger than Rachaad White (27), Austin Ekeler (31), and Jacory Croskey-Merritt (25). But all three are much quicker than Allen.

Allen is also younger than Jeremy McNichols (30). But most likely, McNichols is set to return and the coaches are preferring to go with McNichols. Can you blame them? McNichols is very capable in pass protection on passing downs, and he’s also shown he can play as a receiver out of the backfield. Both are areas where Allen is inexperienced. Anyone remember McNichols’ block on the late Daniels-to-McLaurin touchdown pass that beat the Bengals in 2024?

McNichols is also quite efficient and adept on both punt and kick return teams. Not to be overlooked, McNichols is also willing and proficient on both punt and kick coverage teams. McNichols is simply more valuable to the Commanders right now than Kaytron Allen.

It’s probably not even about Allen. The Commanders’ coaches know McNichols can help on special teams with his speed and strength, and in the offense when called upon in spot duty. So they want him back on the roster and had to make a roster move.

It could very well be that if Allen clears waivers, the Commanders would bring Allen back to their practice squad.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Why did the Commanders release rookie running back?