Dwayne Washington continues to serve as Saints emergency backup, but that role is in jeopardy

Since joining the Saints in 2018, Dwayne Washington has been a “break class in case of emergency” running back for the Saints. Whether it was Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram or Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray in front of him, Washington usually had his touches in blowouts or games with limited personnel.

That role continued in 2020, but Ty Montgomery’s huge game against the Panthers when Kamara was on the COVID-19 inactive list may have it in danger. Washington had just eight touches for 15 yards on the year, down from 60 yards on as many touches last season.

Washington absolutely has a path onto the 2021 roster, but it involves there being training camps and a chance to prove himself. The Saints don’t generally carry more than three running backs at a time, and with Washington an UFA in 2021, he may need to seek out greener pastures. If he is retained, it will likely be for his contributions on special teams which, to be fair, the Saints tend to value greatly.

Five of Washington’s carries this season, of course, came in the 38-3 rout of the Buccaneers when basically the entire second half was garbage time.

Montgomery will also be an UFA next year, and with the Saints as strapped for cash as they are, they’ll have to be very selective about which players they keep on and which players they move on from.

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