Commanders, Bears and Chiefs rumor reveals interest in same running back prospect

Commanders, Bears and Chiefs rumor reveals interest in same running back prospect originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Washington Commanders , Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs reportedly interested in the same running back prospect ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.

That running back prospect, per Essentially Sports' Tony Pauline , is Oregon rusher Noah Whittington, who is working his way back from turf toe surgery. Pauline notes that Whittington is not 100% healthy, which is why he didn't take part in Oregon's pro day. He did 24 bench reps at the NFL Combine, but that's all he has done during the pre-draft process.

Here's more from Pauline: Running back Noah Whittington sat on the sidelines, as he has not fully recovered from the turf toe surgery he underwent several weeks ago. Although physically capable, Whittington skipped pro day drills to avoid any setbacks before camp as he is still not 100% recovered from turf toe surgery. Whittington is getting a lot of interest from the Washington Commanders, Kansas City Chiefs, and Chicago Bears.

In 13 games last season, Whittington posted a personal best 829 rushing yards and six touchdowns while adding 19 catches for 98 yards and another score. According to Lance Zierlein of NFL. com , the 5-foot-8, 205-pound running back is a "downhill runner" who does his best work between the tackles but doesn't offer much as a pass-catcher.