Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne suffered a season-ending Jones fracture during practice on Friday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The injury deals a significant blow to a Commanders team that sits at 1-4-1 heading into a Sunday night matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles following a bye week.
Payne, 29, has been a cornerstone of Washington's defense, playing nearly three-quarters of the team's defensive snaps this season. He has recorded one sack, 14 tackles, two tackles for loss, and five quarterback hits, while also serving as a key run defender who occupies opposing offensive linemen.
The loss of Payne compounds Washington's interior defensive line crisis. Fellow defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw is sidelined with a knee injury, and Johnny Newton remains questionable with a pectoral injury that has kept him out all season. That leaves only Tim Settle and Shy Tuttle as available interior defensive linemen on the active roster.
Payne's injury also removes a potential trade candidate from the market. The former 13th overall pick in the 2018 draft is in the final year of a four-year, $90 million contract extension. With Washington struggling, he could have attracted interest from teams needing a defensive tackle.
The Commanders have been hit hard by injuries this season. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil has missed the entire season with a triceps injury, while wide receiver Terry McLaurin was lost for the year in Week 6 with a torn patellar tendon. Quarterback Jayden Daniels missed two and a half games with a dislocated elbow, and guard Sam Cosmi, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, and running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt have also missed time. Linebacker Leo Chenal and wide receiver/returner Jaylin Lane are also out for the season.
