The Washington Commanders saw enough promise from running back Robert Henry Jr. to bring him onto the practice squad after deciding he didn't do quite enough to make the 53-man roster this summer.
Unfortunately, his eye-catching performances didn't go unnoticed by others around the league either.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks have signed Henry off Washington's practice squad and onto their active roster. They are dealing with significant injuries in their backfield, and the UTSA product will now have a chance to make a statement and make the Commanders regret their decision to keep him on the fringes.
Robert Henry Jr. gets his NFL chance, just not with the Commanders
Henry caught the eye almost immediately after joining the Commanders as an undrafted free agent. He flashed purpose and aggression throughout early offseason workouts, and he took this encouraging form into training camp.
This had many (myself included) wondering whether Henry could force his way into a crowded Washington running back room. His preseason efforts were another strong indicator of what he could bring to the table with some extra development.
Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough. And considering the Commanders elevated Craig Reynolds over Henry in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts, the first-year pro is probably looking forward to a change of scenery.
And with the defending champions, no less.
The Seahawks need help right now. Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet are dealing with injuries. Even though they signed veteran Joe Mixon after a successful workout, he hasn't played a competitive snap since the 2024 season due to injury.
Seahawks will look to build on Robert Henry Jr.'s strong Commanders preseason
Henry had a full offseason to hone his craft, and being on Washington's practice squad will have kept him sharp. Now, a massive opportunity has presented itself, and given how the Commanders are struggling to gain yards on the ground, he could make general manager Adam Peters look incredibly foolish.
Henry is fast. He has conviction when gaps arrive and has the burst to break off big yardage in open space. And for a Seattle team averaging just 110.3 rushing yards per game, he might get a shot much sooner than expected.
It'll be interesting to see how Henry fares; that's for sure.
The Commanders believed he needed more time, and they were well stocked at running back with Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, Kaytron Allen, and now Austin Ekeler. But if the rookie shines in Seattle, a few in the building will cast envious glances at his success.
Henry won't have to worry about that now. Washington gave him the first platform to shine, and the Seahawks have given him the chance to take the next step.
Seizing it is crucial, and his progress is worth monitoring.
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