Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne suffered a significant foot injury in practice Friday that likely will land him on injured reserve, according to sources who spoke with NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. The injury occurred during a team drill on what was considered a light practice day. Payne will undergo more tests Saturday, but initial X-rays showed significant damage, a team source told ESPN. Depending on the results, Payne, who is in the final year of his contract, could be done for the season.
The injury is another blow for a Commanders team that is 1-4-1 in a pivotal third season for coach Dan Quinn. Washington will also be without its other starting defensive end, Javon Kinlaw, for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles (2-5) because of a knee injury. Payne has been a longtime starter on the defensive line since Washington drafted him with the No. 13 pick in 2018. He is the organization's longest-tenured position player and started every game from 2020 through 2024. He made the Pro Bowl in 2022 after recording a career-best 11.5 sacks.
Payne's value has often come from his work against the run. Earlier Friday, Quinn praised Payne's "strength inside, his power, and oftentimes that's where he wins on whether it's pass rush or [tackles for a loss]." Quinn added that "some of the dirty work doesn't go in a stat, but you can definitely feel it."
Washington has depth at defensive end with Deatrich Wise Jr. and Charles Omenihu. The team also opened the 21-day window this week on Jer'Zhan Newton, who tore a pectoral muscle in a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 14. He is listed as questionable for Sunday.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing