The Washington Commanders will not be returning rookie running back Kaytron Allen to their practice squad. One day after the Commanders released the 2026 sixth-round pick, the Miami Dolphins claimed Allen off waivers.
Allen, a 5-foot-11, 217-pound rookie from Penn State, was the Nittany Lions’ all-time leading rusher. The No. 187 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, Allen played well in Washington’s preseason opener against the Dolphins.
The Commanders brought back veteran Austin Ekeler last week, giving them four running backs on the 53-man roster. However, this week, the Commanders opened the 21-day practice window for veteran Jeremy McNichols to return from injured reserve. Allen’s release was presumably to make room for McNichols’ return.
With
the Dolphins claiming Allen, veteran Craig Reynolds remains the lone running back on Washington’s 16-man practice squad.
Allen appeared in four games for the Commanders this season, carrying the ball 12 times for 41 yards. He joins a Miami roster that lost star running back De’Von Achane to injury.
Allen’s release upset some fans who felt the Commanders shouldn’t be letting go of a 2026 draft pick. Washington has gotten very little from its running backs through four games. Ekeler immediately became its best option, and McNichols’ versatility can help in the backfield and on special teams. Allen was viewed as more of a power runner only, and the Commanders didn’t even use him last week when going for it on fourth-and-2.
Head coach Dan Quinn said on Friday he hoped they could continue working with Allen.
“Yeah, releasing players, it’s difficult for sure,” Quinn said of Allen’s release. “And sometimes, just where you are on the roster, those are some of the decisions that you have to make, and it can be difficult. We hope we get a chance to work with him again. We like the development of where he can take it to. But it’s hard sometimes; that’s just how it goes.”
Since the Commanders will not be continuing their relationship with Allen, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them sign another free-agent running back to their practice squad in the coming weeks.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Dolphins claim former Commanders' draft pick off waivers
