There was real intrigue around the arrival of veteran running back Jerome Ford to the Washington Commanders in free agency. But unfortunately for the player, things fizzled out just as quickly.
And after Ford suffered an injury over training camp, his inevitable fate in Washington has now been confirmed.
According to the NFL's transaction wire, the Commanders have now released Ford with an injury settlement, ending his brief time with the franchise. And depending on the severity of his hamstring complication, an uncertain future awaits.
Commanders hand Jerome Ford his inevitable fate after injury striikes
Ford's influence with the Cleveland Browns faded once the AFC North club drafted Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson. Though disappointing, the Commanders gave him a shot, and there was a slight window of opportunity to be impactful with a strong offseason.
Aside from a few brief flashes at OTAs, things didn't go according to plan.
It quickly became apparent that Ford wasn't doing enough to push his way up the depth chart. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and free-agent signing Rachaad White established themselves as Washington's 1-2 punch, and both should be productive within offensive coordinator David Blough's schematic concepts.
Sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen brings a physical presence that could be extremely useful. Jeremy McNichols is a respected leader and special-teams presence, while undrafted free agent Robert Henry Jr. has also caught the eye.
Ford was a lot quieter. He only got one carry in Washington's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, which spoke volumes. Then, he got hurt, and the Commanders were left with a simple decision.
There is no room for passengers in Washington this season. They have far too much on the line for that, and even though Ford's explosiveness saw him emerge as a potential star earlier in his career, the trajectory hasn't been nearly as promising since.
Jerome Ford must bounce back quickly after abrupt Commanders exit
The Commanders had enough options in their backfield to cut Ford loose. It was a blow to his hopes, but the 2022 fifth-round pick out of Cincinnati probably saw it coming.
Now, attention turns to what comes next for Ford.
And this all starts with getting healthy.
Hamstring problems can be difficult to shake off, but at least Ford now has time to heal. At the same time, he won't want to be out of sight for too long, given how players can become forgotten about in the cutthroat world of the NFL.
Everything after that is out of his hands.
There was a good chance Ford would have been made surplus to requirements during final cuts. This injury just sped up the process, and with his departure, who's going through onto the Week 1 squad becomes much clearer.
Croskey-Merritt, White, Allen, and McNichols (if healthy) are all but locked in. Henry will keep fighting, but a place on the practice squad might be the best he and recent arrival Craig Reynolds can hope for.
As for Ford? He must bounce back from this setback, and quickly.
Otherwise, it won't take long for the league to look the other way for good.
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