Why did the Commanders release Michael Wiley?
Many will recall Wiley, a running back from Arizona, who showed some impressive running ability several times during the 2024 preseason. Wiley did not make the 53-man roster and was brought back to sign on the practice squad.
So, if they liked Wiley enough to have him on the practice squad during the 2024 season, then why was Wiley released Tuesday? Monday, the Commanders had officially signed pass rusher Von Miller. Therefore, the first reason for Wiley’s departure is that NFL teams are only permitted to bring 90 signed players to training camp, so the Commanders felt Wiley was No. 91 and released him.
Secondly, running backs Brian Robinson, Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez have all returned from last season’s Commanders roster. What’s more, GM Adam Peters determined to draft Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the final (7th) round of the most recent NFL draft. It seems too early to make such a decision, but perhaps the Commanders have already determined Croskey-Merritt is much better than Wiley?
This, however, still leaves only five running backs in training camp for the Commanders. The Commanders are going to have to run the ball in each of those three preseason games. How many times do you actually want to have Robinson, Ekeler running the ball in the preseason? The more they are called on to run the ball, the more the odds are in favor of a running back being injured in a meaningless preseason game.
Therefore, as another player at another position shows himself worthy of being cut early, don’t be surprised if the Commanders do sign another running back to share the load of carries needed in the three preseason games. Honestly, sometimes running backs stay with the team during the preseason to carry the ball in preseason games, thereby preventing running backs who are going to make the roster from playing and getting injured.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Why did the Commanders release second-year RB Michael Wiley?
