Commanders Make Last-Minute Signing of Massive Defender

The Washington Commanders signed defensive tackle Ricky Barber to their practice squad Saturday and immediately elevated him for Sunday’s game at Dallas.

The club also elevated linebacker Ale Kaho from the practice squad. Both moves were announced as Washington prepared for a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff against the Cowboys.

“We have made the following roster moves: Signed DT Ricky Barber to the practice squad. Elevated DT Ricky Barber and LB Ale Kaho from the practice squad,” the team said.

Barber had been waived Thursday to create a roster spot for cornerback Isaac Yiadom. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound lineman returned quickly when injuries left Washington thin inside.

Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw is listed as questionable with a back injury after missing Thursday’s practice and working in a limited capacity Friday. Barber gives the Commanders another interior option if Kinlaw is unavailable or restricted.

Barber spent last season on Washington’s practice squad after signing as an undrafted free agent out of UCF. He was elevated late in 2025 and made his NFL debut against Dallas in Week 17.

In two games last year he recorded five tackles and one sack in 32 defensive snaps. The sack came against Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

The Kentucky native began his college career at Western Kentucky before transferring to UCF. Over six seasons he totaled 195 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks.

At UCF he played 47 games and finished with 130 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. He earned first-team All-AAC honors in 2022.

Kaho also joined Washington as an undrafted free agent in 2025. He made the initial 53-man roster and appeared in eight games as a rookie, all on special teams.

He played 120 special-teams snaps last season and recorded five tackles. He did not see any defensive snaps.

Kaho was waived at final cuts this year and signed back to the practice squad. Washington needs him after placing linebacker Jordan Magee on injured reserve and ruling Frankie Luvu out with a groin injury.

Rookie Sonny Styles and veteran Leo Chenal are expected to handle most of the off-ball linebacker work. Kaho adds depth and another special-teams body.

The Commanders opened the season with a 24-22 loss to Philadelphia. They enter Week 2 at 0-1 and face a Dallas team that is also 0-1 after falling to the New York Giants.

Both clubs are dealing with linebacker shortages. Dallas will be without DeMarvion Overshown because of a hamstring injury and has elevated two practice-squad linebackers of its own.

NFL rules allow teams to elevate two practice-squad players per week. Those players automatically return to the practice squad after the game unless they are signed to the 53-man roster.

Barber and Kaho therefore remain temporary additions for this contest. Their presence reflects Washington’s need for bodies on both the defensive line and at linebacker.

Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium.