Daron Payne Injured, Latest NFL Rumors on Commanders DT's Status and Return Timeline Amid Foot Issue

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne will "likely" head to injured reserve after suffering a "significant" foot injury during Friday's practice, per Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

Payne has played all nine of his NFL seasons with Washington, which selected the former Alabama star with the 13th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft.

He's started six games this season and amassed 14 tackles (seven solo), five quarterback hits and one sack.

Payne has only missed three career games (one in 2019, two in 2025), and one was due to a suspension following an altercation with Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown last year. The other two absences were because of an ankle sprain (2019) and a back injury (2025).

So he's been a beacon of durability and reliability and a stalwart on the defensive line for quite some time.

Ultimately, this is a devastating loss for Washington. Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan offered more insight into the impact of the injury.

This has already been a difficult year on the injury front for Washington. Of note, wide receiver Terry McLaurin (torn patellar tendon) is out for the year, as are linebacker Leo Chenal (fractured neck). Left tackle Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps in training camp and has been out all year. Quarterback Jayden Daniels missed two-and-a-half games with a dislocated elbow. Now Payne would be out for at least four games if he's placed on injured reserve.

In part because of injuries, Washington is off to a 1-4-1 start. The Commanders will hope to get back on the winning track on Sunday evening when they host the Philadelphia Eagles.