The Commanders got some bad news Saturday.
The Commanders downgraded defensive tackle Daron Payne to “out” for Sunday’s NFC championship game against the Eagles in Philadelphias.
It’s been a rough two weeks for Payne. The former first-round draft pick from Alabama in 2018 injured a finger against the Bucs in the Wild Card round but toughed it out, had it re-taped, and played against the Lions last week.
However, Payne also aggravated a knee. With both injuries, the Commanders’ brass has determined it better they not put Payne out there trying to stop the daunting Eagles running game, including Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts.
DT Daron Payne (knee/finger) has been downgraded to out https://t.co/Z3lgHgBwAY
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 25, 2025
No doubt Payne wanted to be out there, as he has played through numerous injuries over the years, making himself available week after week.
What does this mean for the Commanders’ run defense against the Eagles? They have elevated DT Carl Davis and tackles rookie Jer’Zhan (Johnny) Newton (Illinois), veteran Sheldon Day, and Jonathan Allen will get more reps.
Big picture-wise, it means Washington lost their best interior offensive lineman, right guard Sam Cosmi, for the remainder of this season and their most reliable/healthy defensive player for years in Payne.
