The Washington Commanders have lost another defensive line starter for the season, as Javon Kinlaw underwent season-ending knee surgery, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Kinlaw, who played end in the base defense and tackle in the nickel package, injured his MCL in a Week 6 loss at San Francisco.
The injury comes less than a week after Daron Payne fractured his foot in what was described as a "fluke injury" during a light Friday practice. Payne is also out for the season. Like Kinlaw, he started at end in the 3-4 base front and played tackle in the nickel package. The Commanders (2-4-1) host the Rams (4-4) on Sunday.
Kinlaw, signed to a three-year deal in the 2025 offseason, had started 23 consecutive games for Washington before the injury. He was considered strong against the run and recorded a career-best 5.2% of his tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage, a figure only six defensive linemen topped. He also contributed as a pass rusher this season with one sack and three quarterback hits.
The losses continue a difficult stretch. Washington already lost top receiver Terry McLaurin to a torn patellar tendon in Week 6, and left tackle Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps on Aug. 8. Coach Dan Quinn said Tunsil has a checkup in a couple of weeks that will determine whether he could return late in the season. Leading rusher Jacory Croskey-Merritt is on injured reserve with a groin injury, and backup running back Jeremy McNichols was placed on injured reserve Tuesday with a foot injury Quinn termed "serious."
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing