The Washington Commanders are dealing with some injury issues right now. Nothing they are not used to after last season's catastrophe, but it's problematic all the same as Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles draws ever closer.
One issue centers on running back Rachaad White. And this complication also came with a conspiracy theory on social media that gained enough momentum to be debunked by a respected national insider.
Warren Sharp of Sharp Analytics highlighted the recent video posted by the Commanders, showing running backs coach Anthony Lynn and the players taking part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge as a message of support for Chris Johnson, who is dealing with the condition.
Rachaad White sustained the injury during Commanders' joint practice against the Dolphins
In the video, White was seen slipping, and he hasn't been seen on the practice field since.
Rachaad White was fine prior to this ice bucket challenge on 8/17
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 19, 2026
he’s mysteriously missed the last 2 days of practice since the Commanders posted this video (8/18, 8/19)
did he injure himself right here? https://t.co/WqgUKVVUC1 pic.twitter.com/urab1WjPEN
Weird, right?
Wrong.
Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network made inquiries after seeing Sharp's post gain traction. And thankfully for Commanders fans, there doesn't seem much to worry about.
"Regarding Commanders RB Rachaad White’s absence the last few days, he tweaked his hamstring in the joint practice with the Dolphins. Worked out prior to Friday’s game. Not considered serious or long-term for White, who’s excelled in David Blough’s offense in OTAs and camp."
This was later confirmed by Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, so consider the dubious claim that had no substance behind it closed.
Sorry to debunk the ice bucket conspiracy theory, but Commanders RB Rachaad White suffered a hamstring injury during the team's joint practice with the Dolphins, per source. He was held out this week and likely misses the Lions game, but it's not considered a long-term issue.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 20, 2026
White is trying to shake off his hamstring issue. But in terms of how it was caused, it has absolutely nothing to do with stumbling during the Ice Bucket Challenge.
It's a crazy world we live in.
Rachaad White returned to Commanders practice at the best possible time
People like to make assumptions without the correct research. They want to be right even when they're wrong, but for someone who prides himself on data, Sharp should have at least examined all the elements before putting this out into the open.
If there are no setbacks from here, White should be back well in time for Washington's regular-season opener at Lincoln Financial Field. And he'll have an important role to play.
While all the hype centered on the potential arrival of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, the Commanders had a different ex-Arizona State teammate in mind for quarterback Jayden Daniels. And the dual-threat weapon was willing to bet on himself with a one-year, $2 million deal.
Simply put, White's been a revelation over the summer.
His explosiveness, route-running out of the backfield, and timing with Daniels are as advertised. Though the Commanders will probably run a committee approach in the backfield, White and Jacory Croskey-Merritt already look like the confirmed 1-2 punch capable of leading the charge.
Dealing with a hamstring problem isn't ideal, especially considering how much White relies on speed and quick-twitch changes of direction. But in terms of his ability to be impactful when the real action arrives, this theory from Sharp was an absolute nothingburger.
Everyone can now move on.
Head coach Dan Quinn revealed that White will not play in Washington's second preseason contest against the Detroit Lions, but he was spotted on the practice field on Day 14 of training camp.
And now, fans can relax.
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