The Washington Commanders waived rookie running back Kaytron Allen last week. The move came after the Commanders brought back veteran running back Austin Ekeler and the anticipated return of Jeremy McNichols from injured reserve.
Commanders’ fans were upset
over the release of the sixth-round rookie, but Washington had hoped to re-sign him to its practice squad. Those hopes ended when the Miami Dolphins claimed Allen off waivers.On Tuesday, the Commanders added a running back to their practice squad. Devin Neal, a 5-foot-11, 213-pound back from Kansas, was a sixth-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in the 2025 NFL Draft — the same draft that Washington landed starting running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Neal played in 10 games for the Saints
as a rookie, starting three and rushing for 206 yards on 57 carries, with two touchdowns. Neal also caught 17 passes. After dealing with a hamstring injury this summer, the Saints placed Neal on injured reserve and then released him with an injury settlement.
Sources: The #Commanders are signing former #Saints RB Devin Neal to their practice squad.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 13, 2026
A 5th-round pick last year, Neal totaled 310 yards and 2 TDs as a rookie. pic.twitter.com/dj3cQ1JCV2
He signed with the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad on Sept. 30, but the team released him a week later.
Neal joins a Washington roster with Croskey-Merritt, Ekeler and Rachaad White on the 53-man roster, with McNichols set to join them soon, and veteran Craigh Reynolds on the practice squad.
In four seasons at Kansas, Neal rushed for 4,343 yards, 49 touchdowns and averaged 5.7 yards per attempt. He also caught 77 passes and had four receiving touchdowns.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders sign former Saints' running back to practice squad
