The Washington Commanders began releasing players Monday morning ahead of Tuesday’s NFL deadline to trim rosters from 90 to 53 players.
While none of the early cuts were a surprise, one player was popular among fans: Running back Jaret Patterson. Ben Standig from The Athletic first reported that Washington had waived Patterson, the third-year running back from nearby St. Vincent Pallotti High School in Laurel.
It didn’t take long for Patterson to confirm the move, posting the following message on Twitter featuring some advice from Steve Harvey.
— Jaret Patterson (@JaretPatterson) August 28, 2023
Patterson had a productive preseason for the Commanders. In last week’s win over the Ravens, Patterson had an impressive 15-yard touchdown reception. In the finale against the Bengals, Patterson rushed eight times for 51 yards.
An undrafted free agent out of Buffalo in 2021, Patterson spent all of his rookie season on Washington’s roster, appearing in 17 games, carrying the ball 68 times for 266 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 10 receptions for 73 yards.
In 2022, Patterson was among the Commanders’ final cuts but was quickly re-signed to the practice squad. He remained on the practice squad until Nov. 14, when he was activated due to injuries to Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic.
Patterson would appear in three games last season, carrying the football 17 times for 78 yards. He also returned four kickoffs for 97 yards.
Patterson has proven he can play in the NFL. Unfortunately for him, he was behind Brian Robinson Jr., Gibson and rookie Chris Rodriguez Jr. Patterson is also likely behind veteran Jonathan Williams, but it is currently unknown if the Commanders will keep three of four running backs.