Commanders Waive Rookie Running Back Kaytron Allen

Kaytron Allen's NFL career in Washington lasted four games. The Commanders waived the rookie running back on Thursday, ending a brief tenure that never got out of the backfield rotation. The move was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. Allen, 23, arrived as a sixth-round pick in the 2026 draft after a prolific four-year career at Penn State, where he rushed 769 times for 4,180 yards and 39 touchdowns and earned second-team All-America honors after a 1,303-yard, 15-touchdown 2025 season. In Washington, he managed just 41 yards on 12 carries across four games, contributing mostly on special teams. The Commanders made the move to clear space for players returning from injury. Veteran Jeremy McNichols is coming back, and the team designated three players for return this week, joining an already crowded running back room led by Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez and Austin Ekeler. If Allen clears waivers, Washington could bring him back on the practice squad. The timing is rough. Washington sits at 1-3 after Sunday's 30-13 loss to the Colts in London. Head coach Dan Quinn insists his team will fight through the adversity: "A fire is lit, and it's going to stay lit."