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Washington Commanders Place Three on IR, Sign Running Back
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- Washington Commanders Place Three on IR, Sign Running Back
(Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
The Washington Commanders have made a handful of roster moves, including bringing a familiar name back to the organization.
Yet the flurry of roster moves started with three players now placed on injured reserve, meaning defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, running back Jeremy McNichols and defensive lineman Daron Payne will miss at least the next four games.
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The news of McNichols marked an expected , yet notable blow to the running back rotation. McNichols entered the regular season on the shelf after battling a quad injury during preseason, though returned ahead of week six to make his season debut. With a chance to anchor the end of the rotation, his absence marked a notable hole to fill on the roster, but the Commanders were able to do so hours later.
Running back Robert Henry Jr. has been claimed off waivers to now anchor the rotation. The former UTSA star first arrived in Washington following the 2026 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent before teaming up with rookie Kaytron Allen to dazzle in the preseason opener. Henry was part of the final round of roster cuts before being signed off the practice squad by Seattle, though now arrives back in the organization with a chance at a role. Henry will likely team up with Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler in week nine with Jacory Croskey-Merritt still sidelined after also being placed on injured reserve weeks ago.
Yet the absence of both Kinlaw and Payne marks a notable absence for the Commanders' defensive line. Kinlaw was ruled inactive last week after not suiting up in practice through the week, while he previously battled a knee injury ahead of the bye week. The absence of Daron Payne, however, marks a notable blow for Washington given the veteran is expected to be sidelined for the bulk, if not all, of the rest of the regular season. Payne suffered a significant foot injury during Friday's walkthrough, while the longtime Commanders' defensive lineman reportedly drew trade interest ahead of the news.
The status of Jer'Zhan Newton, who saw his 21 day practice window officially open last week, looms larger for the Commanders' defensive line with depth a question mark. Shy Tuttle remains a key part of the rotation while Byron Cowart was elevated from the practice squad ahead of week eight. Whether the Commanders make similar moves to alleviate depth remains a question for general manager Adam Peters to address through the week and less than one week prior to the trade deadline.
The Commanders will look to remain undefeated at Northwest Stadium when they host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Nov. 8 for a 1 PM kickoff.
