Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne sustained a season-ending Jones fracture during Friday’s practice, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The foot injury removes a central figure from Washington’s defense and ends the possibility of a trade involving him this season.
The Commanders are preparing to return from their bye with a Sunday night game against the Eagles. At 1-4-1, Washington is seeking a much-needed victory, but it will now face that challenge without a player who has taken part in nearly three-quarters of its defensive snaps this season.
Payne, 29, has recorded 14 tackles, including two for loss, along with one sack and five quarterback hits. Those totals capture only part of his contribution to the defensive front. His responsibilities also include stopping the run and keeping opposing offensive linemen occupied, making his absence significant beyond the production reflected in his individual statistics.
Washington’s other injuries on the interior defensive line compound the loss. Javon Kinlaw is out because of a knee injury, while Johnny Newton is questionable after a pectoral injury has kept him from playing all season. With those players unavailable or uncertain, Tim Settle and Shy Tuttle are the only interior defensive linemen left on the active roster.
The injury also closes off a potential roster move for the struggling Commanders. Payne has spent his entire career with Washington, which selected him 13th overall in the 2018 draft. He is now in the final season of a four-year extension worth $90 million. A team seeking help at defensive tackle could have viewed him as an appealing trade target, but he will instead miss the remainder of the year.
Washington has already endured several substantial losses on offense. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil has been sidelined all season with a triceps injury, and wide receiver Terry McLaurin suffered a season-ending torn patellar tendon in Week 6. Quarterback Jayden Daniels also missed two and a half games because of a dislocated elbow.
Guard Sam Cosmi, receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt have missed time as well, with Croskey-Merritt currently on injured reserve. Linebacker Leo Chenal and receiver and returner Jaylin Lane are also out for the season, adding to the injury burden Washington carries into its return from the bye.
