The 2026-27 NFL season is already underway, but teams across the league continue to search for ways to strengthen their rosters as the campaign progresses.
The Washington Commanders are among the latest teams to make an addition, bringing in former South Carolina Gamecocks EDGE rusher Kyle Kennard on a practice squad contract.
Washington is taking a chance on Kennard despite his injury struggles since entering the NFL. The former First-Team All-SEC performer was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, going 125th overall.
Although he arrived in the league with considerable potential, injuries have limited his opportunities to establish himself at the professional level.
Kennard appeared in only five games with the Chargers during his rookie season, recording two total tackles. He entered the following campaign hoping to compete for a place on the active roster or earn a practice squad opportunity, but Los Angeles waived him with an injury designation in late August.
The Chargers did not publicly disclose the specific nature of the injury, although it appeared to occur during the preseason. His move to Washington now provides another opportunity to continue his NFL career.
Despite his limited professional experience, Kennard has shown enough ability to attract interest from another franchise. The defensive edge rusher was born in Flint, Michigan, but grew up in the state of Georgia. He began his college career at Georgia Tech after emerging as a three-star recruit from Riverwood High School in Atlanta. At the time, he was regarded as the 39th-ranked defensive end in the 2020 recruiting class.
During his time with the Yellow Jackets, Kennard developed into a productive defensive player, recording 111 total tackles and 12.5 sacks. His performances eventually led him to South Carolina, where he transferred ahead of the 2024 college football season. That move proved to be an important step in his development, as he delivered one of the most impressive seasons of his collegiate career with the Gamecocks.
Kennard finished the 2024 season with 28 total tackles, 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles, helping South Carolina put together a 9-4 campaign. His ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and create turnovers made him an important part of the Gamecocks’ defensive unit. Those performances also helped strengthen his NFL prospects and contributed to his selection in the 2025 draft. If he can rediscover that form and overcome his injury concerns, Washington could have an opportunity to benefit from his pass-rushing ability.
The Commanders, meanwhile, have experienced a difficult start to the 2026-27 season, entering the move at 1-4-1 through their first six games. Adding Kennard to the practice squad gives the organization another defensive option while allowing the former South Carolina standout to work toward earning a larger role.
Washington will need to assess his health and progress before determining whether he can contribute to the active roster, but his collegiate production offers a reason for optimism.
Washington is coming off its bye week and is preparing to host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. Although Kennard’s arrival does not guarantee an immediate impact, the opportunity could prove valuable for both sides. The Commanders gain a young defender with proven college-level pass-rushing production, while Kennard gets another chance to demonstrate that he can remain healthy and translate his potential into consistent NFL performances.
