Commanders set to add veteran depth with RB Craig Reynolds

The Washington Commanders are expected to sign veteran running back Craig Reynolds, according to ESPN’s John Keim, after Reynolds reportedly worked out for the team during a recent free-agent visit period. The transaction is being framed as a depth addition, coming at a point in camp when teams try to solidify the rotation behind their top runners and evaluate reliable options for the preseason.

Reynolds’ workout with the Commanders was part of a broader set of free-agent looks the team conducted, with multiple players hosting meetings and practices in an attempt to find value before the end of training camp. Pro Football Rumors reported that Reynolds was among the group and that a deal followed from the visit.

From the Commanders’ perspective, adding a back with professional experience can matter as carries tighten up and teams distribute reps across starter and “two-deep” roles. Late-camp signings also give coaching staffs an additional fallback at a position that often sees attrition and variability from week to week, especially once preseason game-planning begins.

For Reynolds, the move represents another opportunity to earn a defined spot within a live, competitive backfield. Even when a player’s primary value is rotational snaps rather than featured carries, depth runners can influence late-game decisions, swing into special teams, and provide practice consistency that helps protect the rest of the lineup.

The timeline is important. This is coming during the closing stages of training camp and ahead of the preseason, when roster moves can be both strategic and reactive. Teams frequently use this window to cover gaps exposed by performance, matchups, or changes to the depth chart as veterans and rookies are sorted.

Still, the details of the agreement, including its length or financial structure, were not provided in the available report. Until Washington makes a formal announcement or transaction record is published by the league, the signing should be treated as “expected” rather than fully confirmed with contract specifics.

What to watch next is whether Reynolds is deployed as a core rotational option in the preseason and how the Commanders structure the backfield once he is on the roster. His role in the early preseason games could indicate what Washington values most right now, whether that is run-pass versatility, power running, or a steady change-of-pace presence behind the starter(s).