The Commanders signed Patterson from the practice squad to their active roster Thursday, Zach Selby of the team's official site reports.
With fellow running backs Antonio Gibson (knee) and J.D. McKissic (neck) both on injured reserve and Brian Robinson (knee) currently listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Patterson could find himself working in a backfield committee alongside Jonathan Williams in Week 18. The 23-year-old has seen game action on two separate occasions this campaign but has yet to register an offensive rep.