Payne’s Foot Injury Adds to Commanders’ Defensive Concerns

The Washington Commanders will be without defensive tackle Daron Payne against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 1 after he sustained a serious foot injury during practice. He was limited in practice on October 30 before being listed as questionable, then was expected to miss the game and potentially an extended period. Further testing was expected on October 31, with injured reserve a possibility.

Payne has played his entire nine-year professional career in Washington, which selected him 13th overall in 2018. He is in the final season of a four-year, $90 million contract. This season, he has started six games, recording 14 tackles, five quarterback hits and one sack. His injury could affect his trade prospects, which had drawn attention before the trade deadline, as well as Washington’s playoff hopes.

The Commanders also ruled out defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, who missed practice throughout the week. Tight end John Bates, receiver Treylon Burks and defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton were listed as questionable. Newton remains in a 21-day practice window as he works back from a pectoral injury and must be activated before he can play.

Philadelphia ruled out five players: receiver DeVonta Smith, linebacker Jihaad Campbell, receiver Britain Covey, cornerback Jonathan Jones and receiver Dontayvion Wicks. Cornerback Jakorian Bennett was questionable. Running back Saquon Barkley was limited on October 30 but had no game designation.