Commanders DT Daron Payne Suffers Season-Ending Jones Fracture

Washington's fears about Daron Payne were confirmed Saturday. The veteran defensive tackle suffered a season-ending Jones fracture in his foot during Friday's practice, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.

Payne will go on injured reserve. The injury happened late in a light practice during a team drill, and a team source described it as a fluke, with no one stepping on his foot, according to ESPN's John Keim. Recovery from a Jones fracture can take up to four months.

It also puts his future in Washington in doubt. Payne is in the final year of his contract, turns 30 in May, and had been mentioned as a possible trade candidate before the Nov. 10 deadline, which is now off the table. He is the Commanders' longest-tenured position player, a 2018 first-round pick who signed a four-year extension in March 2023 and started every game from 2020 through 2024 plus the first six this season.

The numbers haven't always shown it, but he was playing well. Payne has one sack this year, yet he was averaging a career-best 2.8 pass-rush wins per game, according to Tru Media. His lone Pro Bowl came in 2022, his best season as a pass rusher.

Friday's first report already had him out for Sunday night's game against the Eagles. The 1-4-1 Commanders will also be without starting end Javon Kinlaw (knee), so veterans Charles Omenihu and Deatrich Wise Jr. take on more snaps up front. Jer'Zhan Newton, back at practice this week from a torn pectoral muscle, is questionable. It's the second major season-ending loss for Washington after Terry McLaurin went on IR.