The Washington Commanders are adding another running back to the roster. On Monday, John Keim of ESPN reported that the Commanders were signing veteran running back Craig Reynolds.
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Reynolds signed with the then-Redskins as an undrafted free agent out of Kutztown University in 2019. He was waived during final cuts, but re-signed to the practice squad, where he spent most of the season. He appeared in one game, but was eventually released in November.
The 5-foot-11, 216-pound Reynolds spent the remainder of the season with the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta cut him during its final cuts in 2020, and he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he remained through the rest of the season.
Reynolds signed with the Detroit Lions in 2021, spending most of the next five seasons there. In Detroit, Reynolds played with then-Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and was a teammate of current Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough.
He signed with New England’s practice squad after he was released by the Lions.
For his career, Reynolds has appeared in 60 games, rushed for 658 yards, averaged 4.3 yards per attempt, and scored one touchdown. He’s also caught 25 passes for 258 yards.
Why does Washington need another running back after the breakout performances from rookies Robert Henry Jr. and Kaytron Allen in Friday’s preseason opener? An injury to veteran Jeremy McNichols may be worse than Washington is letting on. Head coach Dan Quinn discussed McNichols’ injury on Sunday. McNichols is in a battle with Henry, Allen and Jerome Ford for a spot behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White on Washington’s depth chart.
Reynolds gives the Commanders a veteran who knows the offense and can help get them through the preseason. Washington next plays Detroit on Saturday at Noon.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders sign former Lions running back