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Commanders sign former Saints running back
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- Commanders sign former Saints running back
The Washington Commanders are making a move to strengthen their backfield, signing former New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal to their practice squad as the young NFL player looks to revive his injury-plagued career.
Neal, 23, joins Washington after spending time with both the Saints and Minnesota Vikings. The running back is hoping the opportunity will help him return to the field after missing significant time because of injuries.
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The Commanders have struggled to find consistency early in the season and will be looking for ways to improve their roster as they prepare for a challenging Week 6 matchup.
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Neal looks to rebound after injury setbacks
Nov 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal (24) carries the ball as Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) defends during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Neal appeared in 10 games and made three starts with New Orleans during his rookie season last year. He finished the campaign with 206 rushing yards and two touchdowns while adding 104 receiving yards on 17 receptions.
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The former Saints draft pick showed potential as both a runner and a pass catcher before suffering an ankle injury late in the season, forcing him to miss New Orleans' final three games.
Heading into the current campaign, Neal was expected to play a role in the Saints' backfield. However, consecutive hamstring issues disrupted those plans, leading New Orleans to place him on injured reserve before eventually releasing him with an injury settlement.
Neal subsequently signed with the Minnesota Vikings in late September, hoping to earn another opportunity. That stint proved brief, however, as Minnesota released him shortly before its Week 5 matchup against the Saints.
Despite his setbacks, Neal now has another chance to prove himself with Washington. He has yet to appear in an NFL game this season and will look to earn a promotion from the practice squad.
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Commanders prepare for crucial Week 6 test
Dec 7, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal (24) runs for a gain during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Washington enters Week 6 with a 1-3-1 record after playing to a 27-27 tie against the New York Giants in Week 5.
The Commanders will face a difficult challenge Monday night when they travel to take on the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.
Adding Neal provides Washington with another option at running back, although his immediate role will depend on his health and how quickly he adjusts to the new system.
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For Neal, the move represents an opportunity to get his career back on track and demonstrate that he can contribute at the professional level. If he can stay healthy and impress Washington's coaching staff, the 23-year-old could eventually earn another chance to make an impact on an NFL roster.
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