Daron Payne has been with the Washington Commanders since he was selected 13th overall in the 2018 NFL draft. Throughout his seven NFL seasons, he has missed just one game.
During the first half of Washington’s NFL wild-card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Payne was injured, appearing to favor his hand, and in severe pain.
He did not return in the first half.
Early in the third quarter, NBC’s Melissa Stark gave an injury update on Payne, saying it was classified as a finger injury. Payne remained in the locker room on Tampa Bay’s first offensive possession.
The Commanders said Payne was questionable to return.
DT Daron Payne (finger) is questionable to return
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 13, 2025
With Payne out, rookie Johnny Newton and Jonathan Allen will see the bulk of snaps at defensive tackle. All three generally rotate, along with Sheldon Day and Jalyn Holmes.
The Buccaneers scored on their first second-half possession to take the lead. We’ll keep you posted on Payne’s status.
