Commanders lose Kinlaw and Payne for the season
Washington defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw will miss the rest of the season after knee surgery, the team’s second season-ending defensive-line loss in less than a week. The 2-4-1 Commanders host the Los Angeles Rams on November 4.
Kinlaw injured his medial collateral ligament during Washington’s Week 6 loss to San Francisco. He had started 23 consecutive games since joining the Commanders in 2025, and his absence leaves the defense short of run-stopping options ahead of the Rams game.
Defensive tackle Daron Payne was ruled out for the season after breaking his foot during practice before Washington’s Week 8 win over Philadelphia. The Jones fracture came two days before the 27-10 victory. Payne has spent all nine of his NFL seasons with Washington and is set to reach unrestricted free agency after the season.
Charles Omenihu and Deatrich Wise Jr. started versus Philadelphia; Tim Settle and Shy Tuttle saw increased action. Jer’Zhan Newton, a third-year tackle who has yet to play this season because of a pectoral injury, was cleared to practice last week and could make his debut against Los Angeles.
Washington is also without wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who tore a tendon in his left knee in Week 6, and left tackle Laremy Tunsil, whose triceps injury dates to August 8. Coach Dan Quinn said another examination in about two weeks will help determine whether Tunsil can return late in the season. Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is on injured reserve with a groin injury, while backup Jeremy McNichols has a serious foot injury and could be out for multiple months.
Players: Laremy Tunsil, Deatrich Wise, Jeremy McNichols, Daron Payne, Tim Settle, Charles Omenihu, Shy Tuttle, Terry McLaurin, Javon Kinlaw, Jer'Zhan Newton, Jacory Croskey-Merritt