Rookie running back Kaytron Allen’s brief tenure with the Commanders has already come to an end.

Washington placed Allen, 23, on waivers Thursday to clear up space for players coming back from injury, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.

Allen, drafted by the Commanders in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, has seen time in each of Washington’s four games this season, posting 41 rushing yards on 12 carries.

Washington Commanders running back Kaytron Allen is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt at the 14-yard line during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sept. 13, 2026. Laurence Kesterson/UPI/Shutterstock

The move comes as veteran running back Jeremy McNichols returns from injury, making for another addition to an already crowded running back group, which also includes Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez and Austin Ekeler.

Should Allen clear waivers, Washington could sign him back to the practice squad.

If the Commanders do not re-sign Allen, however, they will effectively lose a player they spent a 2026 draft pick on just months ago.

Washington selected Allen after he spent four seasons at Penn State, racking up 4,180 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns.

Washington Commanders running back Kaytron Allen, center, in action during the NFL match between the Indianapolis Colts and the Washington Commanders in London on Oct. 4, 2026. ANDY RAIN/EPA/Shutterstock

The move also comes as the Commanders sit at the bottom of the NFC North with a 1-3 record to start the 2026 season.

Despite the shaky start to the year, Washington head coach Dan Quinn insists his team is going to fight through the adversity.

“A fire is lit, and it’s going to stay lit,” Quinn said following the Commanders’ 30-13 loss to the Colts on Sunday.

“I know the resolve of the team, and sometimes there are some storms,” he added. “It doesn’t always happen the first couple of games. But we’re more than equipped to weather that one.

“Sometimes a team has to go through these struggles to show their resolve, their ability to hit adversity and keep battling through it.”