This is a big loss.
The Washington Commanders have ruled out defensive tackle Daron Payne for the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
This loss is significant considering Payne’s plays a key role in the Commanders’ run defense and without him, the main goal of containing Saquon Barkley just got harder.
Payne played with a dislocated thumb in the Commanders’ playoff wins over Tampa Bay and Detroit.
Payne has played in every game for Washington since the 2020 season. He has four sacks this season. Barkley has run for 296 yards and four touchdowns in two games vs. Washington this season.
With Payne out, Washington will start rookie Jer’Zhan Newton alongside Jon Allen.
