Rachaad White’s recent absence from Washington Commanders practice sparked an unusual theory online. The fifth-year running back had taken part in an Ice Bucket Challenge supporting former NFL star Chris Johnson, then missed practice soon afterward.
A video showing White slipping during the challenge added fuel to speculation that the stunt had caused an injury. The Commanders later provided a different explanation, putting the viral claim to rest.
White Joined the ALS Challenge
White participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge earlier this week as players and fans showed support for Chris Johnson, who announced his battle with ALS earlier this year. Johnson was diagnosed in 2025 at age 39.
The disease affects nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement, and his condition has progressed significantly over the past year.
Johnson now uses a speech-generating device to communicate, while the disease has greatly affected his physical abilities. Since sharing his diagnosis publicly, he has received support from across the football community.
Accepting the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in honor of @ChrisJohnson28, Coach Lynn’s former player 💛 pic.twitter.com/Tu4L7Nv7dK — Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 17, 2026
The Ice Bucket Challenge has become one of the most recognizable fundraising efforts connected to ALS. The concept is simple: participants pour ice-cold water over their heads and encourage others to take part within 24 hours. Many participants also donate to ALS research.
The challenge first became a major viral movement in 2014. About 17 million people participated, generating $115 million in donations during an eight-week period. In the United States, the campaign has been credited with raising about $135 million for ALS-related efforts.
Why White Missed Practice
White’s absence from practice soon after the challenge created the perfect setup for social media speculation. During the event, he slipped after the cold water was dumped over him, leading some viewers to connect the fall with his later absence.
That connection was incorrect.
The Commanders confirmed that White tweaked his hamstring during a joint practice with the Miami Dolphins. His hamstring issue, rather than the Ice Bucket Challenge, caused him to miss time.
White returned to the field Thursday, another sign that the injury was not considered serious. The brief break gave him time to recover before Washington begins its 2026 NFL season.
White’s Role in Washington
White enters his first season with Washington after spending his first four professional seasons with Tampa Bay. Across those four years, he has recorded more than 4,100 total rushing and receiving yards.
His receiving ability has also made him a useful option out of the backfield. White has scored 11 touchdowns as a receiver and 14 on the ground during his NFL career.
That versatility could give quarterback Jayden Daniels another reliable option in the offense. White is expected to compete for an important role as the Commanders prepare for Week 1.
The timeline made the Ice Bucket Challenge theory easy to spread, but the team’s update provides a clear explanation. White did slip during the event, yet his practice absence came from a hamstring tweak sustained during joint work with the Dolphins.
White returned to practice Thursday and does not appear to be dealing with a major injury. The unusual rumor can therefore be separated from the actual reason for his missed practice as Washington turns its attention toward the 2026 season.
