24 Dwayne Washington RB

The Saints activated Washington (undisclosed) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, Amie Just of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Washington was forced to miss Week 17 after landing on the COVID list as a high-risk close contact, but he'll now be eligible to return to team facilities. Latavius Murray (undislosed) also returned from the COVID list Wednesday, though Alvin Kamara (illness) remains iffy for Saturday's wild-card matchup against the Bears. Washington could see an increased depth role if Kamara can't go.

Washington was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday and is out for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reports.

Washington, along with Latavius Murray, are both considered high-risk close contacts to Alvin Kamara, who has tested positive for the coronavirus. As a result, all three will be sidelined for the regular-season finale. In their absence. Ty Montgomery should see a significant increase in reps at running back. New Orleans is also expected to promote Tony Jones from the practice squad, and Taysom Hill could potentially get some more run as well.

Washington rushed three times for six yards in the Saints' 31-3 win over the Broncos on Sunday.

With New Orleans leading this one comfortably throughout, the offense went on cruise control, leading to Washington's appearance. Coming into the contest, he sported five carries for nine yards on the season, all of which he racked up in a Week 9 rout of Tampa Bay. Unless the Saints are up big in a blowout, Washington is unlikely to take the field and will remain mostly a special-teams contributor.

Washington (back) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice.

Washington was sidelined the past two games by the back injury, but it appears he's healthy heading into Week 12. The 26-year-old is unlikely to have much of an offensive role as long as Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray continue to be available.

Washington (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Falcons, Amie Just of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Washington can't seem to shake this back injury, and he wasn't able to practice this week. His absence won't affect the offensive dynamic much unless either Alvin Kamara or Latavius Murray suffers an injury, in which case Ty Montgomery would handle some backfield reps.

Washington (back) is inactive for Sunday's Week 10 tilt against the 49ers.

The reserve running back has only five carries on the year, so his third absence of the season should only have an impact on New Orleans' special-teams units. Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray will continue to handle the backfield workload for the Saints.

Washington is questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers with a back injury.

The 26-year-old was added to the injury report Thursday as a limited practice participant, and he was unable to participate at Friday's session. Washington will need to show some improvement to be able to play Sunday versus San Francisco.

Washington (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's game versus the Raiders, Amie Just of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Washington was lifted from the COVID-19 list last Thursday, but he'll sit out while Alvin Kamara, Latavius Murray and Ty Montgomery suit up for the primetime game.

The Saints activated Washington (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, Amie Just of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

After an 18-day stay on the list, Washington rejoined his teammates on the practice field and avoided Thursday's injury report entirely. It'll be interesting to see if he's active in his first potential game action of the season Sunday at Las Vegas, especially with Alvin Kamara, Latavius Murray and Ty Montgomery in front of him on the depth chart.

The Saints placed Washington on the reserve/COVID-19 list Sunday, Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com reports.

It's unclear whether Washington has contracted the virus or come in contact with someone who has, but he'll need to pass the necessary protocols to return to the team. Washington is fighting to retain a depth role after the Saints signed Ty Montgomery and undrafted free agent Tony Jones this offseason.

Washington re-signed with the Saints on Thursday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Washington appeared in all 16 of the Saints' regular-season contests in 2019, playing a core role on special teams while contributing as a depth option out of the backfield. Across that span, he carried the ball eight times for 60 yards and caught his only target for six yards. He stands to play a similar role behind Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray in 2020.

Washington rushed eight times for 60 yards and caught his only target for six yards while suiting up in all 16 of the Saints' regular-season contests in 2019.

Washington ends his second year in New Orleans with the fewest touches of his career, as Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray combined to miss just two games and consistently worked ahead of him. Despite his lack of involvement on offense, Washington was able to avoid the inactive list throughout the season thanks to his ability to contribute on the Saints' coverage units on special teams. An impending free agent, Washington could be retained by New Orleans if he's willing to accept a third-string role, though the 25-year-old may be more inclined to look to land in a situation that presents a clearer path to snaps out of the backfield.

Washington (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports.

Washington was limited in Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury, but he now looks back to full health. He'll serve as the No. 3 running back behind Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray during Sunday's wild-card clash against the Vikings.

Washington (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports.

The specifics surrounding the knee injury remain unclear, however, the fact that Washington is on the injury report is a negative sign. Expect his practice availability throughout the week to shed a light on his chances to suit up Sunday. If he can't go, his absence will leave just Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray as healthy running backs.

Washington carried three times for 20 yards in the Saints' 34-7 win over the Colts on Monday.

Washington recorded his first touches since Week 8, providing some relief work in the blowout victory. As long as Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray are healthy, Washington is unlikely to carry fantasy value outside of the deepest leagues.

Washington did not garner an offensive snap during Sunday's 26-9 loss to Atlanta.

Between Alvin Kamara's return and the Saints playing from behind, Washington was relegated to special-teams duty after earning four total touches during Kamara's two-game absence. Washington saw the field for just seven offensive snaps while Kamara was out and hasn't played on offense in any other game this season. Expect that to continue Sunday against Tampa Bay's stout run defense, which is surrendering just 3.5 yards per carry, good for third best in the league.

Washington carried three times for 38 yards in the Saints' 31-9 victory over the Cardinals on Sunday.

With the game well out of hand, Washington stepped onto the field for a few carries to kill the clock. As long as Alvin Kamara (ankle/knee) is out, Washington will be a handcuff to Latavius Murray, though he's unlikely to see much work when both Murray and Kamara are healthy.

Washington caught his only target, a six-yard gain, during Sunday's 36-25 win over Chicago.

Even with Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) on the shelf, Washington was able to muster just one offensive snap during Sunday's game, his first of the season. Though Sunday brings Arizona's 25th-ranked run defense and Kamara's status is uncertain, Washington seems likely to continue to be a special-teams contributor more than anything else.

Washington could have a role on offense with Alvin Kamara (ankle) out for Sunday's game in Chicago, Larry Holder of The Athletic reports.

Washington has played each of his 103 snaps on special teams this season, stuck behind Kamara and Latavius Murray in the backfield. Murray will handle the lead role Sunday, with Washington and Zach Zenner providing depth against a tough Chicago defense. Zenner just signed with the team Wednesday, so he's more likely to have an impact on special teams than anything else.

Washington (concussion/ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Luke Johnson of USA Today reports.

Washington exited the Saints' third preseason game with a concussion and apparently picked up an ankle injury at some point within the last two weeks, but his full activity Thursday suggests he's moved past both issues. The 25-year-old will enter the season third on the depth chart at running back, a role that won't afford him many offensive snaps while both Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray are at full strength.