Commanders To Sign RB Craig Reynolds

Washington is set to sign Reynolds, ESPN’s John Keim reports. The move will offer backfield depth for the closing stages of training camp and the preseason in the wake of a recent running back injury. Jeremy McNichols is dealing with a quad injury, and head coach Dan Quinn said (via NBC Sports Washington’s JP Finlay) a multiweek absence is in store in his case.

With McNichols out of the fold for now, Reynolds will look to earn a depth spot on the roster. The latter began his career in Washington, making three appearances in 2019. Reynolds was in Jacksonville the following year, but most of his NFL tenure has taken place as a member of the Lions. From 2020-25, the former undrafted free agent made 59 combined regular and postseason appearances with Detroit.

Reynolds, 30, was a depth offensive contributor through his first three Lions campaigns, but his playing time in that capacity dropped in 2024 and fell once again last season. His contributions were primarily made on special teams in recent years. Third phase duties are no doubt in store upon arrival in the nation’s capital. Washington’s revamped running back depth chart still includes Jacory Croskey-Merritt but also free agent signings Rachaad White and Jerome Ford along with sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen.

McNichols re-signed with Washington this spring on another one-year deal. A release in his case would yield $700K in cap savings with only $563K in dead money charges, so his recovery will be worth monitoring over the coming weeks. In the meantime, Reynolds will aim to carve out a role.