Daron Payne Injury News & Updates

The NFL lifted Payne's one-game suspension Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Payne was unsuccessful in his appeal of a one-game suspension stemming from his actions during the Commanders' Week 10 loss against the Lions, when he punched Amon-Ra St. Brown. Payne sat out of Sunday's overtime loss to the Dolphins, and with the Commanders on a bye Week 12, his next opportunity to play is Week 13 against the Broncos on Sunday, Nov. 30.

Payne's one-game suspension was upheld on appeal Monday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Payne was suspended one game for punching Amon-Ra St. Brown during the Commanders' loss to the Lions on Sunday. With Payne out for Week 11 against the Dolphins in Madrid, look for Eddie Goldman, Jer'Zhan Newton and Sheldon Day to see increased playing time up front on the defensive line.

Payne will appeal his one-game suspension, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Payne was hit with a one-game suspension after he threw a punch at Amon-Ra St. Brown during Washington's blowout loss to the Lions on Sunday. Payne was ejected from the contest and will not be permitted to travel with the team to Madrid, Spain for Sunday's game against the Dolphins unless he wins his appeal.

Payne has been suspended one game for punching Amon-Ra St. Brown during Sunday's loss against Detroit, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

After being disqualified from Sunday's game for unsportsmanlike conduct, Payne will serve a one-game suspension. The former Pro Bowler will not be able to suit up in next week's game in Madrid against the Dolphins. It is still unclear if he will appeal the suspension.

Payne (toe) is active for Monday's game against the Chiefs.

Payne was unable to practice all week due to a toe injury. Despite the lack of on-field reps during Week 8 prep, the veteran defensive tackle has been cleared to play in Monday night's game after going through pregame warmups. It's possible that Payne operates on a snap count, which would mean more rotational snaps at defensive tackle would be available for the likes of Jer'Zhan Newton, Sheldon Day and Eddie Goldman. Payne has 26 tackles (11 solo), including 1.0 sacks, five pass defenses and one forced fumble through seven regular-season games.

Payne (toe) is questionable to play against the Chiefs on Monday Night Football.

Payne didn't practice at all this week due to a toe injury. He's been deemed questionable to face Kansas City, and head coach Dan Quinn said Saturday, "He is dealing with a toe that's bothered him. So just kind of working through that to get him into that spot but I'll know more over the next day and a half," per JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington. If Payne isn't able to give it a go Monday, Eddie Goldman could be in line for more snaps at defensive tackle.

Payne (knee/finger) has been participating in OTAs, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.

Payne was unable to participate in Washington's NFC Championship Game loss to the Eagles, but he has recovered from his injuries ahead of the 2025 campaign. The defensive tackle has drawn praise from Washington's coaching staff for his leadership in the offseason, and Payne projects to be an important piece of the defense after recording 4.0 sacks in the 2024 regular season.

Payne (knee/finger) recorded 42 tackles (22 solo), including 4.0 sacks, along with two pass defenses over 17 regular-season games in 2024.

Though Payne continued to play a key role as a starter on Washington's defensive line, he was subbed out more often than in previous campaigns and logged a career-low 702 defensive snaps. Not surprisingly, his production consequently dropped, as his tackle total was also a career low. Nonetheless, Payne matched the 4.0 sacks he recorded last year. During the playoffs, the usually durable Payne was unable to stay healthy, as he suffered a finger injury in the wild-card round, then hurt his knee in the divisional round and didn't suit up for the NFC Championship Game versus Philadelphia. Payne will likely be recovered by the start of training camp, and unless Washington decides to part ways with him, he's expected to again be a key piece of the team's defense in 2025, when he'll be in the third year of the four-year extension he signed in March of 2023.

Payne (knee/finger) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

Payne was unable to practice all week due to knee and finger injuries, and both are serious enough for him to be sidelined for Sunday's NFC Championship Game. Rookie second-round pick Jer'Zhan Newton will likely fill in as the Commanders' second starter at defensive tackle alongside Jonathan Allen while Sheldon Day and Carl Davis serve in rotational roles due to Payne's injury.

Payne (knee/finger) did not practice Friday and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against Philadelphia.

Payne couldn't practice in any capacity this week, so his status for Sunday's road matchup against the Eagles appears legitimately up-in-the-air. The veteran defensive end's status will be made official no later than 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 3:00 p.m. ET kickoff. Rookie second-round pick Jer'Zhan Newton will figure to inherit a more significant role on defense in the event that Payne can't go.

Payne (knee/finger) didn't practice Wednesday.

The 27-year-old defensive tackle from Alabama played through a finger injury in the Commanders' divisional-round win over the Lions, failing to record a stat over 37 defensive snaps. However, it now appears he also sustained a knee injury in the process, potentially putting his availability for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Eagles in question. Payne almost certainly needs to upgrade to at least limited practice participation Thursday or Friday in order to suit up Sunday.

Payne (finger) does not have an injury designation heading into Saturday's NFC divisional-round clash against the Lions.

Payne injured his finger in the first half of Sunday's NFC wild-card game against the Buccaneers, and he finished the contest with one solo tackle while playing in just 18 defensive snaps. Payne managed to log a full practice Thursday, and he has progressed enough to be able to play Saturday.

Payne (finger) was a limited participant in practice Tuesday.

Payne dislocated a finger in Sunday's wild-card win over Tampa Bay, but he was able to re-enter the game. Given his return to that contest and his limited practice session Tuesday, it seems likely that he'll be able to suit up Saturday against Detroit in the NFC divisional round. Payne hasn't missed a game since the 2019 season.

Payne (finger) is questionable to return to Sunday night's NFC wild-card game against the Buccaneers.

Payne suffered a finger injury late in the first half, exiting the contest as a result. The defensive tackle recorded a solo tackle before leaving the game. In Payne's absence, Sheldon Day and Jer'Zhan Newton will operate in more significant roles on the defensive line.

Payne recorded two tackles (one solo) including 1.0 sacks and a pass defensed during Sunday's 20-19 win at New Orleans.

Payne made a mark in the sack column for his third straight appearance in Week 15, and he batted down a pass for the first time this season. He projects to see a healthy dose of the run in Week 16 when Washington hosts the Eagles.

Payne (back) is active for Sunday's matchup with the Saints.

The defensive tackle was listed as questionable after popping up on the injury report Friday with a back issue. Payne has yet to miss a game this season, recording 33 tackles (19 solo), including 3.0 sacks.

Payne (back) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Saints.

The 27-year-old popped up on the Commanders' injury report Friday as a non-participant due to a back issue, putting his status for Sunday's game up in the air. Payne has yet to miss a game this season, recording 33 total tackles, including 3.0 sacks, over 13 appearances. If he's unable to suit up in Week 15, Carl Davis and Sheldon Day will likely see increased work with Washington's first-team defense.

Payne logged four tackles (three solo), including 1.0 sacks, in Sunday's 18-15 win over Chicago.

Payne sacked Caleb Williams for a 15-yard loss late in the second quarter, which forced the Bears to punt on the next play. It was Payne's first solo sack of 2024, and through the first eight games of the regular season he has logged 15 tackles (11 solo), including 1.5 sacks.

Payne (back) was a full participant in Thursday's practice session.

Payne opened with a limited tag Wednesday due to a back issue, but he was able to practice without restrictions Thursday. Payne and Jonathan Allen will anchor the middle of the Commanders' defensive front this season, with Dorance Armstrong and Clelin Ferrell lining up on the ends.

Payne (back) was a limited participant during practice Wednesday.

Payne will start Week 1 prep as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. The Alabama product has only missed one regular-season game in his six-year career, so the chances of him sitting out Sunday is likely minimal. However, it'll still be worth monitoring his status for practice Thursday and Friday.

Payne recorded 53 tackles (32 solo), four sacks, four pass defenses, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries across 17 games in 2023.

The 320-pound DT has missed just one game through six pro seasons, but his pass-rushing stats took a big step backwards in 2023 following career highs of 11.5 sacks and 20 QB hits the year prior. He's otherwise recorded two-to-five sacks each year, and while he remains one of the better players on Washington's beleaguered defense, there are certainly those who would argue that the four-year, $90 million contract he signed last spring was an overpay. Regardless, Payne figures to be back in 2024 under a new coaching staff and will be one of the few returning starters locked into a key role.

Payne registered three tackles (all solo), including two for loss, and also deflected a pass in Thursday's Week 12 loss to the Cowboys.

Payne twice stopped Tony Pollard behind the line of scrimmage, though those plays were only small nuisances to the Cowboys in their eventual blowout win. Payne has just 2.0 sacks this season after recording 11.5 last year, but nine of his 38 stops have gone for a loss.

Payne (ankle) was a full participant at practice Friday and does not carry an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game versus the Bills.

Payne progressed from not practicing Wednesday to a limited practice Thursday, and took the next step Friday to be able to play in Week 3. He'll resume a starting role on the interior of the defensive line next to Jonathan Allen.

Payne (ankle) was a limited participant at practice Thursday.

It's a step in the right direction towards being available to play in Week 3 after Payne sustained a minor ankle injury during Sunday's 35-33 win at Denver. He'll still probably need to log a full practice Friday in order to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.

Payne missed practice Wednesday due to an ankle injury.

In Washington's first injury report of the week, the lower leg injury Payne sustained during Sunday's 35-33 win at Denver was specified as an ankle issue. He'll get two more chances to practice before the Commanders' final injury report of the week is released Friday.

Payne (lower leg) is not practicing Wednesday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Payne briefly left Sunday's win over the Broncos due to an apparent lower leg injury, but he was able to retake the field in that contest. That could bode well for Payne's chances of suiting up Week 3 versus the Bills, but his participation in practice Thursday and Friday will need to be monitored.

Payne played 50 snaps and finished with two tackles in Washington's 20-16 win over Arizona on Sunday.

The defensive tackle who signed a four-year, $90-million contract in the offseason started alongside Jonathan Allen and helped anchor a defense that allowed only 210 total yards. In Week 2, Payne and the Commanders get a Broncos team that only finished with 260 total yards against the Raiders on Sunday.

The Commanders signed Payne to a four-year, $90 million contract Sunday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Payne was previously tabbed with the nonexclusive franchise tag Feb. 28 after he and Commanders were unable to come to terms on a long-term extension before the end of his career-best 2022 campaign. However, this new multi-year deal represents a significant commitment from the Commanders, as the 25-year-old defensive tackle, who recorded a team-high 11.5 sacks in 2022, will now receive $60 million in guaranteed salary over the next four seasons. This deal also makes Payne the second-highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history behind only Aaron Donald.

The Commanders placed the franchise tag on Payne on Tuesday, John Keim of ESPN reports.

Payne is expected to carry an $ $18.94 million one-year salary if he plays on the franchise tag for the 2023 season, though Washington did opt to use the nonexclusive tag. That allows Payne to negotiate with other teams, but he and Washington have already begun talks on a long-term option ahead of the July 17 deadline. Payne led the Commanders with a career-high 11.5 sacks while starting all 17 games in 2022.

Payne registered 64 tackles (33 solo), 11.5 sacks and a fumble recovery in 17 games (17 starts) during the 2022 season.

Payne had the most productive season of his career, as he registered double-digit sacks for the first time. The 2018 first-round pick led the team in sacks and tackles for loss (18), both of which were career highs for him. An unrestricted free agent this offseason, Payne is in line to receive a big pay day from either the Commanders or another organization.

Payne recorded five tackles (three solo), including two sacks, during Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Browns.

Payne accounted for two of the Commanders' five sacks on quarterback Deshaun Watson in Week 17. The fifth-year defensive tackle leads the team in sacks this season with a career-high 11.5 and has now logged a new career high in tackles with 62 over 16 games this season. Payne could see added attention from the Cowboys' offensive line if fellow defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (knee) sits out next week's regular-season finale.

Payne logged one sack and six tackles (four solo), including four tackles for loss, in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Vikings.

Payne brought down Kirk Cousins for a nine-yard loss to end Minnesota's second series Sunday, increasing his sack total to a career-high 5.5 this season. The fifth-year defensive tackle has also collected 35 tackles (16 solo) and three passes defended through nine games in 2022, and he seems set to amass the best overall production of his career so long as he remains healthy moving forward.

Payne notched four tackles (two solo) and one sack during Sunday's 36-27 loss to the Lions.

Payne sacked Jared Goff on a first-down play at the end of the third quarter, giving him two sacks across his first two games of the season. The 2018 first-round pick has finished with at least 50 tackles and multiple sacks in each of his first four NFL campaigns and is on track to continue that streak in 2022.

Payne participated in Tuesday's team drills after skipping them during voluntary OTAs, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

Payne walked off the field during OTAs in late May due to his ongoing contract situation, but he's fully participating during mandatory minicamp. The 2018 first-round pick finished last season with 61 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a fumble recovery across 17 appearances, but the Commanders aren't expected to offer the 24-year-old a contract extension this offseason.

Payne walked off the field during Tuesday's OTA session due to his lingering contract talks, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

Payne took part in individual drills to begin Tuesday's practice session, but he skipped team drills due to his anger over a lack of a contract extension heading into the season. The Commanders aren't expected to offer the 24-year-old an extension during the offseason, so it's not yet clear whether Payne will return to the field as OTAs continue. He appeared in all 17 games last year and totaled 61 tackles (35 solo), 4.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.

Payne started all 17 games for Washington in 2021, recurring a career-high 61 tackles and 4.5 sacks.

If not for the addition of a 17th game, Payne would've finished in the range of 54-56 tackles for a fourth time in four pro seasons. He's also landed between 2.0 and 5.0 sacks each year, though in 2021 he nearly doubled his previous career high with 15 QB hits, displaying pass-rushing potential beyond the sack numbers. The 2018 first-round pick is signed through 2022 via the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, setting him up for a $8.53 million salary next season if he doesn't sign an extension. Payne will turn 25 in May.

Payne had three solo tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery during Washington's loss to the Saints in Week 5.

Payne was limited by a toe injury heading into Week 5, but that didn't stop him from notching his first sack of the season. He will need to log another strong performance Week 6, when the Football Team takes on Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

Payne (toe) is active for Sunday's contest against the Saints.

As expected, Payne will be active for Week 5 after being added to the injury report Friday. The 24-year-old has played the most snaps (219) of any Washington defensive linemen this season, so his availability will be key in slowing down Alvin Kamara and the Saints on Sunday.

Payne (toe) is expected to play Sunday against the Saints, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Payne was added to the injury report Friday, but he is on track to suit up in Week 5. The 24-year-old has played the most snaps (219) of any Washington defensive linemen this season, so his availability will be key in slowing down Alvin Kamara and New Orleans' run game.

Payne (toe) is questionable for Sunday's game against New Orleans, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Payne was a late addition to the injury report, as coach Ron Rivera said the defensive tackle "had an issue with his toe flare up." Rivera added that Payne will get treatment on the injury Friday afternoon, and the team should have a better idea of his availability by Saturday morning. Washington has the interior defensive line depth to overcome a possible Payne absence, with Tim Settle and Matthew Ioannidis available in reserve roles behind Payne and Jonathan Allen.

Payne was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday.

Payne was placed on the list Sunday but has been activated just four days later. He'll return his starting role along Washington's defensive line in practice.

Payne was placed on the COVID-19 list Sunday, Rhiannon Walker of The Athletic reports.

Washington placed several players on the COVID-19 list Thursday, and Payne will now be away from the team. However, the defensive tackle announced Sunday on his personal Twitter feed that he hasn't tested positive for COVID-19. It's not yet clear when Payne could return to the field.

Washington exercised Payne's fifth-year option for 2022 on Monday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

The 23-year-old has appeared in all but one game with 41 starts since being drafted by Washington in 2018, so it's hardly a surprise the team picked up the fifth-year option of his rookie deal. Payne totaled 54 tackles (27 solo), three sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception in 16 contests last season and should continue to play heavy snaps at defensive tackle in 2021.

Payne was a 16-game starter in 2020, recording 54 tackles (27 solo), four pass defenses, three sacks, three forced fumble, and interception and a fumble recovery on a career-high 880 defensive snaps (84.3 percent).

Payne's involvement in a bunch of turnovers was a new development, but his stats otherwise looked similar to the prior two seasons. The 2018 first-round pick even then added two sacks in Washington's lone playoff game, finishing with PFF's No. 38 grade out of 128 qualified interior defenders. While he may not be the superstar some envisioned a few years ago, Payne is locked in as a reliable starter and should be back to handle the same role in 2021. Washington can pick up a fifth-year option this offseason to extend his contract through 2022, with the salary guaranteed for injury only.