Commanders add ex-Lions RB amid injury concerns

The Washington Commanders were without Jeremy McNichols in their preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins as he deals with a quadriceps injury, and there is a chance he misses the coming weeks. That led the Commanders to go out and add another running back to the roster, and he’s a former Detroit Lion, according to ESPN’s John Keim.

“The Commanders are signing RB Craig Reynolds, per source. He worked out for the team Sunday. With Jeremy McNichols out a bit with a quad injury, needed another RB,” Keim wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The Commanders have Robert Henry Jr. and Kaytron Allen in the backfield as well to make up for McNichols’ injury, and that could be good news for them. As for Reynolds, it may not have been the best time for him to go down, and there could be a real competition for his spot.

McNichols still has value on the field with his skills on passing downs with blocking, as well as special teams. If the Commanders believe they can’t find another option like him, his spot on the roster should be safe.

The Commanders announced another injury after the preseason opener, with Marcus Mariota suffering a right knee MCL sprain. Instead of adding another quarterback, it looks like the Commanders will roll with Sam Hartman and Athan Kaliakmanis for the rest of the preseason.

“Dan Quinn said they’re optimistic that Marcus Mariota will be ready for the start of the regular season so there’s no plan to bring anyone else in at this time,” Keim wrote on X.

The Commanders had a hard time staying healthy last season, and hopefully, things will be different this time around.