It took just eight days for a breakout star for the Washington Commanders this preseason to learn the harsh realities of life in the NFL. The young playmaker suffered a significant setback in “momentum” after he “crashed back down to earth” during Week 2’s 17-13 defeat to the Detroit Lions on Saturday, August 22.
Rookie running back Robert Henry Jr. had the “bucket of cold water” poured on his progress, according to 106.7 The Fan’s Grant Paulsen. The latter noted how undrafted free agent Henry posted just “4 carries for -3 yards and he just lost a fumble on a kick return” at Ford Field.
Undrafted rookie RB Robert Henry Jr. crashed backed down to earth today. 4 carries for -3 yards and he just lost a fumble on a kick return.
Talented and still has a lot of traits to like but today was a bucket of cold water on his momentum.
Paulsen still credited Henry as “Talented and still has a lot of traits to like,” but the horror show in Detroit was quite the comedown for a player who flirted with stardom after Week 1.
Henry gashed the Miami Dolphins for 75 yards and a touchdown on just 12 carries in Washington’s first exhibition game. He put the other members of a crowded backfield rotation on notice, but this time Henry found himself thoroughly outplayed by a fellow back vying for carries.
Robert Henry Jr. Endures Swing in Momentum
More than a few people wanted to buy stock in Henry’s future after he averaged over six yards per carry against the Dolphins. Including former Philadelphia Eagles’ assistant coach Ryan Paganetti, who dubbed Henry “a major sleeper.”
The early buyers might be wanting to open a short position after watching Henry toil against the Lions. His fumble recovered by rookie linebacker Erick Hunter in the fourth quarter was the lowlight.
Lions football ‼️
Making his mark on special teams is how Henry cements his case to earn a roster spot. Returning kicks offers the best opportunity for the ex-UTSA standout to showcase the elusiveness and breakaway speed that have impressed the Commanders this offseason.
Coughing the ball up damages Henry’s chances of nailing down the type of niche role that would make it hard to leave him off the final 53. Worse still, a costly lapse in football’s third phase isn’t even the biggest threat to Henry’s future with the Commanders.
The 24-year-old had been building buzz he could muscle his way into a competitive rotation for carries. Unfortunately, the hype train stalled when he couldn’t get past the line of scrimmage against the Lions.
Henry’s dire situation was compounded by another back seizing his chance with both hands.
Commanders’ Other Rookie Running Back Didn’t Waste His Chance
A dire outing for Henry was merely a chance for 2026 NFL draft sixth-round pick Kaytron Allen to make the most of his own opportunities. The former Penn State stud didn’t disappoint, even though his “numbers weren’t big today — 10 carries for 30 yards. But those were tough yards; escaped issues in the backfield; good vision. And his blitz pickup on the deep pass to Jaden Bradley was textbook,” per ESPN’s John Keim.
A couple of things strengthened Allen’s case to stay on the depth chart, while at the same time, weakening the case for Henry. First, Keim’s reference to Allen picking up a blitz is significant.
A running back who can adequately protect his quarterback gets on the field on third down. That’s when the opportunities increase for a young skill player to showcase his versatility as a runner, receiver and blocker.
These roles only add to Allen’s situational value, when the 217-pounder is already viewed as a potential short-yardage and goal-line back. The first-year pro is still most likely to make his mark as a runner, so the escapability Keim noticed is another positive.
GettyAllen took his chance in Detroit.
Allen’s ability to avoid defenders behind the line of scrimmage was in sharp contrast to Henry’s issues evading tacklers. It’s one more reason why the battle between these two rookies remains intriguing.
Henry and Allen are vying for work behind established starter Jacory Croskey-Merritt and veteran addition Rachaad White. The Commanders also have two other capable and experienced backs in the mix, Jerome Ford and Jeremy McNichols.
It’s a stretch to believe the Commanders will stash more than four backs on the final roster. So every carry, every rep and any touch in any phase of the game this preseason, remain invaluable for Allen and Henry.
Commanders’ Breakout Preseason Star Suffers Setback in ‘Momentum’