Commanders DT Johnny Newton facing possible long-term pec issue
Washington Commanders defensive tackle Johnny Newton suffered a pectoral injury in the Miami preseason game and is seeing a specialist in New York with some concern it could be long-term, per beat writer Ben Standig.
Washington Commanders defensive tackle Johnny Newton is dealing with a pectoral injury that could linger. Newton injured his chest in the team's preseason game against Miami and is currently in New York seeing a specialist, with some concern it could be a longer-term issue, according to Commanders beat writer Ben Standig.
Ben Standig (@BenStandig): Johnny Newton injured his pectoral in the Miami game. Currently in NY seeing a specialist. Could be a longer-term issue. Also: K'Lavon Chaisson injured his knee during the joint practice. Odafe Oweh strained calf. Jordan Magee shoulder. The last three seem like caution is the plan.
Standig also relayed a cluster of other Washington injuries from the same update: edge K'Lavon Chaisson hurt his knee during joint practice (not believed significant), Odafe Oweh strained a calf, and Jordan Magee is dealing with a shoulder issue — the latter three described as cautionary in nature. But it is Newton's pec that carries the most worry, given the position's reliance on upper-body power and the difficulty of playing through a chest strain.
Newton, a second-round pick in 2024, was expected to be a key piece of Washington's interior defensive line rotation as the Commanders build on a surprise playoff run. A long-term absence would thin a defensive front that the franchise has invested in heavily. The team will await the specialist's read before setting a timetable, but the early signals point to a recovery measured in weeks rather than days.
Washington opens its regular season in early September, and the front-seven health picture will be one of the storylines to watch as cutdowns and the opener approach.