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The Washington Commanders received more bad news on the injury front Friday as they wrapped up preparations for their Sunday night matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Starting defensive tackle Daron Payne suffered a significant foot injury during practice and is expected to be placed on injured reserve.
The Commanders released their final injury report at approximately 4:00 p.m. ET on Friday, listing only one player as out: defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw. Kinlaw sustained a knee injury in the team's Week 6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and will miss at least this week's game. As a result, Washington will be without two of its three starting defensive linemen for Sunday's divisional clash with the Eagles.
Payne, 29, is in his ninth NFL season after the Commanders selected him with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has played in 136 career games for Washington, starting 130, and has recorded 446 tackles (67 for loss), 86 quarterback hits, 38 sacks, eight forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, and one interception. His best season came in 2022 when he earned Pro Bowl honors, finishing with 64 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, and 11.5 sacks. He signed a four-year extension that offseason and is set to become a free agent after this season.
This marks the latest significant injury for the Commanders, who already lost star wide receiver Terry McLaurin for the season to a torn patellar tendon. In nine seasons, Payne has missed only three career games, two of which came last season.
With Washington sitting at 1-4-1 heading into Sunday's game against Philadelphia, Payne had been the subject of trade rumors, with some speculating the Commanders could receive a third- to fifth-round pick in return. That possibility is now off the table, and Washington's chances of climbing back into the NFC East race took another hit on Friday.
Key Analysis
The loss of Payne for an extended period is a major blow to a Commanders defense that is already without Kinlaw and has struggled to generate pressure. Payne's durability had been a strength, but his absence leaves a significant void on the interior defensive line. Additionally, the injury eliminates any potential trade return for Payne, further complicating Washington's rebuilding efforts. With the team's playoff hopes fading, the focus may shift to developing younger players and evaluating the roster for the future.
Originally reported by yahoo.