The Washington Commanders have parted ways with a player they invested a first-round draft pick in just a year ago, releasing defensive back Emmanuel Forbes Jr. on Saturday.

The Mississippi State product was the No. 16 overall pick in 2023, but he has had trouble finding consistent playing time in parts of two NFL seasons. Forbes, 23, has appeared in just six games this season, with one start, one interception and seven tackles.

For his career, Forbes has seven starts over 20 games, with two interceptions and 45 tackles.

The Commanders traded for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore in early November, though Lattimore has been slow to recover from a hamstring injury. He was limited in practice this week and isn’t expected to play Sunday.

On Saturday, the Commanders also placed running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve.

Ekeler, 29, joined Washington this offseason after seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. A spot starter with 355 yards and four touchdowns rushing this season, Ekeler has rushed for more than 4,700 yards in his career and has an additional 4,230 receiving yards, with 73 total touchdowns.

Washington also elevated defensive tackle Carl Davis and kicker Zane Gonzalez from the practice squad.

–Field Level Media