The Washington Commanders released veteran running back J.D. McKissic Tuesday. McKissic was released with a failed physical designation due to a neck injury he’s dealt with since late in the 2021 season.
McKissic’s time in Washington ends after three years, and it’s an unfortunate ending as he’s a terrific player. For Washington, McKissic often served as a third-down and change-of-pace back, a role in which he excelled. McKissic was an outstanding receiver and, despite his size, did his job in pass protection.
In three seasons with Washington, McKissic played in 35 games, with 10 starts, rushed for 672 yards and three touchdowns and finished with 150 receptions for 1,159 yards and four touchdowns. In multiple games in his first two seasons, McKissic scored critical touchdowns, with his game-winning touchdown against Atlanta in 2021 as his most memorable moment.
Washington riding that Heinicke off-script wave. Finds McKissic leaking out to the right side after scrambling left. McKissic makes the catch and gets down the sideline for a TD (under review) pic.twitter.com/CCFa0kXrBm
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 3, 2021
There was the Monday night win over the Seattle Seahawks in November 2021, in which McKissic scored both touchdowns. Unfortunately, it’s also the game that ended his season after 11 games.
The Buffalo Bills agreed to a deal with McKissic during the legal tampering period last March, but the Commanders came in late and matched the offer. The Bills weren’t happy, but McKissic didn’t want to leave Washington.
McKissic will be missed by fans and teammates. Another strong force in the locker room, McKissic was a big part of head coach Ron Rivera’s culture change.
Hopefully, McKissic is able to play football again. If he isn’t, we wish him nothing but the best in all of his future endeavors.
The Commanders save only $1.2 million by releasing McKissic.
