The 2026-27 NFL season may be in full swing, but teams are always looking to add talented players to their rosters throughout the season. One of those teams that added a former South Carolina Gamecocks was the Washington Commanders, who signed EDGE rusher Kyle Kennard to their practice squad.
The @Commanders are signing DE and 2024 SEC DPOY Kyle Kennard to the PS per @BobbyMcRaeII @mcraesports_ The team had interest in Kennard in last years draft. There is tremendous upside with a now healthy Kennard. #NFL #Raisehail
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewisJr) October 27, 2026
The Commandeers are taking a chance on Kennard, who has been injured for most of his NFL career. The former First-Team All-SEC linebacker was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the No. 125 overall pick.
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He appeared in just five games for Los Angeles last season, registering just two total tackles during those appearances. Although he was expected to compete for a practice squad or starting spot this season, he was waived/injured in late August. The nature of his injury was not disclosed by the Chargers, but he appeared to suffer the injury during Los Angeles' preseason.
While Kennard joining the Commanders' practice squad will simply give him an opportunity to show what he can do, he has a lot of upside if he can stay healthy. Kennard, who was born in Flint, Mich., but grew up outside of Georgia, started his career at Georgia Tech. A former three-star recruit from Riverwood High School in Atlanta, Ga., he was rated as the No. 39 overall defensive end from the class of 2020.
He racked up 111 total tackles with 12.5 sacks with the Yellow Jackets, and transferred to South Carolina ahead of the Gamecocks' 2024 season. He finished that year with one of his best seasons in college football yet. Kennard racked up 28 total tackles with 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles during South Carolina's 9-4 season.
The Commanders are having a tough start to the season at 1-4-1 through their first six games. If Kennard can work his way up the depth chart and stay healthy, he could be a valuable addition to Washington's defense.
The Commanders are coming off of a bye and will take on the Philadelphia Eagles at home on Sunday Night Football this week.
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