Kaytron Allen’s early NFL path hit an unexpected turn Thursday when the Washington Commanders waived the former Penn State standout.
The Nittany Lions’ all-time leading rusher had been a sixth-round selection, No. 187 overall, in the 2026 draft. Four games into his rookie season, the Commanders placed him on waivers.
Allen appeared in every game for Washington and finished with 12 carries for 41 yards. That worked out to 3.4 yards per attempt, with no touchdowns and no catches.
Those numbers stand in sharp contrast to the production that defined his college career in Happy Valley. Allen closed his Penn State tenure with 4,180 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns on 769 carries.
He averaged 5.4 yards per attempt across four seasons and became the program’s career rushing leader, passing Evan Royster. In 2025 alone he ran for 1,303 yards and 15 scores.
That senior season earned him consensus All-American honors. He shared the backfield for years with Nicholas Singleton, who is now with the Tennessee Titans, and the pair formed one of the most productive duos in recent Big Ten history.
The waiver arrived after Washington re-signed veteran Austin Ekeler late last month. Ekeler had torn his Achilles tendon early in the 2025 season while with the Commanders and returned to the active roster.
He saw the field in the Week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, carrying four times for 29 yards and catching one pass for 11 yards. The added veteran option left Allen outside the 53-man roster.
Allen’s touches in Washington were limited. He had five carries for 24 yards against Dallas and four for 16 yards at Philadelphia, then recorded no offensive snaps against Seattle.
Penn State fans who watched him grind out tough yards and break the program record now face a waiting period. Allen can be claimed by any of the other 31 teams over the next day.
If he clears waivers, the Commanders have signaled interest in keeping him nearby. ESPN’s John Keim reported the club’s stance: “The goal/hope is that they can get Kaytron Allen back on the practice squad.”
A practice-squad spot would let Allen remain in the organization without occupying an active roster berth. Elevations would still be possible if injuries open a path later in the year.
A claim by another club would end his time in Washington and send the former Nittany Lion elsewhere on his rookie deal. Either outcome leaves his immediate role unsettled heading into Week 5.
Allen’s college résumé remains intact regardless of the next transaction. The Norfolk native who arrived via IMG Academy leaves Penn State as the program’s rushing king, and Thursday’s waiver simply marks the latest chapter in a pro career that is only weeks old.
