Commanders Waive RB Kaytron Allen

Washington waived rookie Kaytron Allen, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweets. With the sixth-round pick playing in each of the team’s four games to date and being drafted less than six months ago, this is a surprise. However, ESPN.com’s John Keim adds the Commanders are hoping to bring him back on a practice squad deal. Allen will need to clear waivers for that to be possible. If a team claims Allen, it would take on a sixth-round slot deal running through 2029.

The Commanders drafted Allen 187th overall out of Penn State, where he was productive in each of his four college seasons. Allen is the Nittany Lions’ all-time leading rusher (4,180 yards). Unlike some recent players who have climbed to the top of programs’ all-time lists, Allen did not take advantage of a COVID-19 season to play beyond four seasons. He eclipsed 850 rushing yards in all four of his Penn State seasons, closing his career with 1,108- and 1,303-yard performances.

Logging 12 carries for 41 yards with the Commanders, Allen is part of a crowded backfield. The team has used Jacory Croskey-Merritt as its starter, with free agency pickup Rachaad White playing a key role as well. Ekeler made his return in the team’s London game, totaling five touches; White did not suit up for that Colts matchup. The Commanders designated McNichols for return in August and opened his practice window Wednesday.

The team has 21 days to activate McNichols, who is now in his 10th NFL season, but the Allen move points to the journeyman RB being moved to the 53-man roster for Week 5. It will be interesting to see if Washington’s plan to make Allen its de facto RB5 via the practice squad stash comes to fruition.