Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (knee, finger) has been downgraded to out ahead of Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles. This is a tough break for the Commanders who have struggled to contain the running game all season long. Now, their All-Pro tackle is sidelined which could be a problem against star running back Saquon Barkley. The absence of Payne means that rookie second-round pick Jer'Zhan Newton will likely see an increased role. It's probably going to be difficult for the Commanders to stop the running game without Payne, so Barkley is looking like a must-start DFS option.
Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (finger, knee) and defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste (shoulder) are both questionable for the NFC Championship game on Sunday versus the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, while linebacker Bobby Wagner (ankle) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (knee) have been cleared to play. Payne played 37 defensive snaps in the Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams but picked up a knee injury in the process and could sit out this weekend. It would be a blow to Washington's interior defense against a stout Eagles offensive line if Payne cannot play, although it's excellent news for the Commanders defense that the ageless Wagner will be available to try and slow down Philly's ground attack, which is led by the NFL's leading rusher in Saquon Barkley. Washington's defensive unit is probably the least attractive play in fantasy of the four teams this weekend.
According to the team, Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (finger/knee) remained sidelined during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status during Friday's final session, as he could be in danger of missing Sunday's NFC title game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Payne sustained this finger injury during their wild-card victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is now dealing with an additional knee injury. If Payne were to be limited or sit out during Sunday's contest, fantasy managers should expect Sheldon Day to receive an uptick in playing time. During the regular season, Payne was a mainstay on the Washington defensive line. Across 17 games, he tallied 42 tackles (22 solo) with four sacks and two deflections.
Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne (knee, finger) was listed as a non-participant for his team's practice on Wednesday. The former first-round pick had been battling through a finger injury he suffered in Washington's Wild Card win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He'd also pick up a knee issue in last Saturday's stunning upset of the Detroit Lions. While the finger ailment caused him to practice in a limited capacity the week prior, this new injury has forced him from practice altogether. Payne has missed just one game in his seven-year career, so we'll see if he can elevate his practice status for Sunday's divisional clash with the Philadelphia Eagles. If he's inactive, look for Jalyn Holmes and Sheldon Day to rotate in behind Jonathan Allen.
According to the team, Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (finger) is questionable to return to Sunday's wild-card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Payne sustained this injury during the second quarter. He left the game grabbing his finger in pain and was seen by the medical staff. Before exiting, Payne tallied one tackle. While sidelined, fantasy manager should expect Sheldon Day to see an uptick in snaps alongside Jonathan Allen.
Washington Commanders DT Daron Payne has a favorable matchup against a weak Arizona Cardinals offensive line to begin the 2023 season. Payne made 11.5 sacks on 908 snaps in 2022. He lined up for about 66% of his snaps from the DT position and 34% as an end. He should be primed for a big game against the weak Cardinals. Cardinals quarterbacks Colt McCoy and David Blough were going down about three times a game in the dispiriting late-season games they started after Kyler Murray's injury. Now the Cardinals' offensive line is just as bad--PFF rated it as the second-worst in the NFL--and inexperienced sack-prone quarterback Joshua Dobbs is behind center.
The Washington Commanders signed star defensive tackle Daron Payne to a four-year extension worth $90 million on Sunday, according to sources. It comes after the team placed the franchise tag on Payne, and he becomes the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history not named Aaron Donald. The deal includes $60 million guaranteed. The 25-year-old led Washington in 2022 with 11.5 sacks and also added a career-high 64 tackles (32 solo), 18 tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, five passes defensed and one fumble recovery in 17 starts in his fifth NFL season. Payne is a big reason why Washington's defensive line is emerging as one of the better units in the league heading into the 2023 season.
Daron Payne Receives Franchise Tag From Washington
Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne became the first player this offseason to receive the franchise tag on Tuesday, according to sources. Payne is projected to earn $18.937 million if he plays the 2023 season on the tag. The Commanders didn't use the non-exclusive tag, so other teams can make the 25-year-old offers this offseason. Washington has had extension talks with Payne, and they'll have until July 17 to get something done to erase the franchise tag in 2023. He is a player on the rise for Washington's defense, as he led the team with 11.5 sacks in 17 games in his fifth year in the NFL.
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said the team has had contract-extension talks with defensive tackle Daron Payne. The 25-year-old was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his fifth NFL season, and he led the Commanders in 2022 with 11.5 sacks while also recording a career-high 64 tackles (32 solo), 18 tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, five passes defensed and a fumble recovery in 17 starts. It was by far the most productive season of his young career, and the Commanders appear ready to reward him with a long-term extension this offseason as he enters free agency for the first time next month. Washington doesn't want their former first-round pick to get away, and with good reason.
Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne is taking part in team drills at mandatory minicamp on Tuesday after skipping voluntary organized team activities. Payne sat out of OTAs due to his contract situation, but he's back for minicamp this week to avoid being fined. The 25-year-old former first-rounder had a career-high 61 tackles (35 solo), 4.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, 15 QB hits and one fumble recovery in 17 starts in his fourth year in Washington in 2021. The Alabama product isn't expected to receive a long-term contract offer this offseason.