Commanders clear Daron Payne, Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson and Jacory Croskey-Merritt for opener

Washington is getting healthy at the right time. Coach Dan Quinn said Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Daron Payne are all cleared to play Sunday, per Ben Standig.

That group covers both sides of the ball. Payne had been added to the injury report with a knee issue earlier in the week, and his return keeps the interior of Washington's defensive front intact. Oweh and Chaisson give the edge rush its rotation back, while Croskey-Merritt's clearance restores a backfield option.

Getting Payne and the two outside linebackers back matters against a Pittsburgh offense that wants to run the ball and test edges. The Commanders now head into the weekend with far fewer injury questions than the week's reports implied.