It’s not quite off the deep end as far as conspiracy theories go, but the possible reason why Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White has missed the last 2 days of practice is certainly starting to feel like something, at least, in that same ballpark.
Eagle-eyed NFL expert Warren Sharp reposted a video to his official X account on Wednesday that offered evidence White was hurt doing the “Ice Bucket Challenge” to on August 17.
White played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the last 4 seasons and signed a 1-year, $2 million contract with the Commanders on March 12.
“Rachaad White was fine prior to this ice bucket challenge on 8/17,” Sharp posted. “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?”
In the video, White is sitting with a row of fellow Commanders, shirtless. When a Gatorade tub of ice water is poured on them, White springs up, for some reason, and tries to run off but awkwardly slips on the now-wet cement — it appears he is wearing some sort of slipper/slide.
“Let’s see if Rachaad White pops up with a right groin strain,” Fantasy Points’ Dr. Jeff Mueller wrote on his official X account on Wednesday.
The official word from the Commanders was that White tweaked his hamstring in a joint practice with the Miami Dolphins.
“Regarding Commanders RB Rachaad White’s absence the last few days, he tweaked his hamstring in the joint practice with the Dolphins,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo wrote on his official X account on Wednesday night. “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.”
The company line for the Commanders was to pour cold water on any conspiracy talk.
“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,” The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala wrote on her official X account. “He was held out this week and likely misses the Lions game, but it’s not considered a long-term issue.”
Rachaad White Could Be Critical Piece for Offense
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley put White at the top of his list of NFL “Sleeper” candidates in 2026.
“White is one of the better pass-catching backs in (the NFL), having topped 200 receptions over his first four NFL seasons,” Buckley wrote on August 7. “In Washington, he might be even more active. He has a familiarity with quarterback Jayden Daniels (they played together at Arizona State) and limited competition from starter Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who had nine receptions in 17 games as a rookie.”
One of White’s more lucrative contract incentives is tied to catching passes — something he can’t do if he’s hurt. He earns an extra $250,000 with 45 receptions and another $400,000 at 60 receptions. White will get a $200,000 bonus at 350 receiving yards, and a $400,000 bonus at 500 receiving yards.
White Called ‘Incredible Bargain’ for Commanders
White’s contract could end up being an incredible bargain for his new team.
“There is an interesting battle brewing in the Washington Commanders‘ running back room,” Riggo’s Rag’s Dean Jones wrote on June 19. “Several viable candidates are looking to make their presence felt, and there is no clear-cut frontrunner right now. The final day of minicamp saw him emerge as the standout offensive player, according to reports … he performed well for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, gaining 4,106 yards from scrimmage and 25 touchdowns over his four years in the NFC South.”
Before the 2024 season, after he put up over 1,500 yards of total offense in 2023, White’s value on the open market was thought to be approaching $10 million per season.
Before the 2025 season, and even after losing his starting job on the Buccaneers to rookie Bucky Irving, White was still getting projections in the range of $7 million to $5 million per year because he was still able to top 1,000 yards of total offense while splitting snaps.
Commanders Pour Cold Water on ‘Ice Bucket Conspiracy Theory’ Injury