Why is Daron Payne out vs. Eagles? Commanders nose tackle’s injury status examined
Daron Payne has been ruled out of the NFC Championship game due to a knee injury and a thumb dislocation.
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Daron Payne (Image via AP)
The Washington Commanders will play the most important game of their year without a player equivalent to their defense’s heart and soul. Star defensive tackle Daron Payne has been ruled out of Sunday’s matchup at Lincoln Financial.
The Commanders announced the disheartening news on Saturday. Daron Payne has been playing through a dislocated thumb since the beginning of the playoffs. The defensive tackle managed to control the discomfort in the Wild Card game against Tampa Bay and the Divisional Round win last week against the Lions.
However, to further add to his woes, the DT sat out from practice this week due to a knee injury. Payne was initially listed as questionable on Friday. There was optimism that he would not practice but come game time, he would be ready to go, but alas, that no longer seems to be the case.
Commanders downgraded DT Daron Payne to out for Sunday’s NFC Championship game due to knee and finger injuries.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 25, 2025
Daron Payne’s been an epitome of consistency for a defensive tackle
The Commanders had to prioritize his well-being over the NFC Championship game. Besides, if Payne could have played, best believe that he would. Since 2020, the DT has not missed a single game! That is a total of 88 consecutive starts. This season, he has 22 solo tackles and 4 sacks.
His unavailability is good news for the Philadelphia Eagles. The team will rely more on Saquon Barkley since Jalen Hurts’ left knee is not 100% just yet, and Payne would have been a pain to run through. However, Philly will now need to worry about rookie Jer’Zhan Newton who will take Payne’s place along with Jon Allen.
Fortunately, it will not be his first start of the season. He has played in 11 games and faces the biggest challenge of his rookie season.
Apart from Newton, the Commanders get linebacker Bobby Wagner back from IR on Sunday. Washington’s defense faces a daunting task on Sunday, but if they were incapable of performing, they would not be this far along in the playoffs.
Related: Jalen Hurts addresses knee injury ahead of NFC Championship after divisional win over Rams
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Sumedh Joshi
(2271 Articles Published)