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Commanders Beat the Giants to Robert Henry Jr. on Waivers, per Report
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- Commanders Beat the Giants to Robert Henry Jr. on Waivers, per Report
Washington's running back room took another hit this week when Jeremy McNichols landed on injured reserve, along with Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw . The Commanders' answer was a familiar face. They claimed Robert Henry Jr. off waivers from Seattle on Tuesday, and they weren't the only NFC East team that wanted him. "Apparently, one other team put in a claim for RB Robert Henry Jr.: The Giants," Commanders reporter Ben Standig wrote .
Waiver priority follows the standings, so Washington's 2-4-1 record put it ahead of the 4-2-1 Giants. Henry spent training camp and the start of the season with the Commanders before Seattle signed him off Washington's practice squad on Oct. 6. The Seahawks released him Monday.
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Why Robert Henry Jr. fits the Commanders right now
Nov 1, 2026; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (30) celebrates after scoring on a two-point conversion against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Depth is the simple answer. Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been on IR with a groin injury since Oct. 19, and Dan Quinn said Monday that McNichols' foot injury was serious, per ESPN's John Keim . That leaves Rachaad White, Austin Ekeler and Kaytron Allen as the backs who have carried the ball this season, and Henry knows the offense from his time in Ashburn.
McNichols was productive before he got hurt in the 27-10 win over the Eagles , earning a 72.9 rushing grade on five carries, according to PFF. Ekeler posted a 69.4 rushing grade on nine runs, while White, the starter, finished at 56.5. Henry gives Washington another option if the rotation needs a spark.
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He has the college résumé for it. Henry ran for 1,045 yards and nine touchdowns at UTSA in 2025 and finished third in the FBS at 6.9 yards per carry, according to the Seahawks. In the preseason with Washington, he had 105 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries.
The timing matters with the Rams up next. Los Angeles held the Chargers to nine points last week behind a secondary led by Quentin Lake, who team writer Stu Jackson says is having a Pro Bowl-caliber year . Washington is also weighing deadline moves after the Eagles win, and an undrafted rookie off waivers won't stop that conversation. It does give the Commanders a back they already trust while they figure out the rest.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
