There may be questions about quarterback, tight end, and offensive line, but the Washington Commanders are stockpiled with talent at wide receiver and running back. NFL teams due to cut their roster from 90 to 53 players by Tuesday afternoon, make the decision at WR and RB a numbers game.
Popular hometown running back Jaret Patterson didn’t have his number called. The Commanders are waiving Patterson, per Ben Standig of The Athletic.
The Commanders have Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson locked at the top of the depth chart at running back. Patterson performed well in the preseason and seemingly had a good camp.
In Washington’s preseason finale Saturday against the Cincinnati Bengals, Patterson rushed for 51 yards on eight carries. However, the Commanders are deep behind Gibson and Robinson at running back.
Washington has veteran Jonathan Williams and Derrick Gore, who played under offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy with the Kansas City Chiefs. Additionally, the Commanders have invested in this year’s six-round draft pick, Chris Rodriguez.
Rodriguez had a better camp and preseason despite Patterson impressing. The numbers game left Patterson on the outside looking in.
Jaret Patterson lived the dream playing for Commanders
The journey doesn’t end for Patterson. It’s not the first time he didn’t make the team’s initial 53-man roster. He didn’t last year. But, the local kid became a favorite for fans.
Patterson starred at St. Vincent Pallotti High School in Laurel, Maryland, less than 30 minutes from the Commanders’ home stadium, FedEx Field, in Landover, Maryland. He was teammates with defensive end Chase Young for one year at Pallotti.
Patterson went on to a glorious collegiate career at the University of Buffalo. At Buffalo, he set multiple school and NCAA records, including the most single-game touchdowns with eight. Patterson had 52 rushing touchdowns through three years.
Despite his success, Patterson went undrafted in 2021 partly due to his small frame at 5-foot-8. He signed with the Commanders afterward and made the team’s initial 53-man roster. He appeared in all 17 games, including one start.
In 2022, he was cut but signed with the Commanders’ practice squad. Patterson played in three games.
He could go a similar route this year, returning via the practice squad. The journey certainly isn’t over. The Commanders have built running back depth in recent years. The team drafted Robinson last year, signed Williams, and took Rodriguez in this year’s draft.
Patterson slid further back in the line with the increase of talent.
Still, there’s not much that beats getting an opportunity to play for your hometown team. Patterson has lived that dream for the past two years. He faces the next step in his career following his release from Washington.
