Commanders Place Jeremy McNichols, Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw on IR
Washington loses a running back and two defensive line starters for at least four games ahead of Sunday's game against the Rams
The Commanders made a run of injuries official Tuesday, placing running back Jeremy McNichols and defensive linemen Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw on injured reserve, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported.
Payne's move was expected. The veteran defensive tackle suffered a season-ending Jones fracture in his foot during practice last Friday, ending a contract year that had him on the trade-deadline radar. He's Washington's longest-tenured position player, a 2018 first-round pick who started every game from 2020 through 2024 and the first six this season.
The #Commanders are placing RB Jeremy McNichols, DL Daron Payne, and DL Javon Kinlaw on Injured Reserve.View on X →
Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet): The #Commanders are placing RB Jeremy McNichols, DL Daron Payne, and DL Javon Kinlaw on Injured Reserve.
McNichols is the newer blow. He hurt his foot in the third quarter of Sunday night's 27-10 win over the Eagles, and Dan Quinn said Monday he was concerned it was a significant mid-foot injury. He had five carries for 21 yards before leaving. With Jacory Croskey-Merritt also on IR with a groin injury, Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler are the healthy backs. White led the team against Philadelphia with 11 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown.
Kinlaw, a starter on the defensive line, has been out with a knee injury and sat out Sunday night alongside Payne. The IR move means he'll miss at least four more games. Washington's interior was already thin against the Eagles, with Jer'Zhan Newton still on IR with a pectoral injury and veteran Byron Cowart elevated from the practice squad.
The moves open three roster spots, and Quinn has already said Washington would look at outside running back help. The 2-4-1 Commanders host the 4-4 Rams on Sunday at 10 a.m. PT, with the trade deadline arriving two days later.