Washington placed Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw and Jeremy McNichols on injured reserve, leaving its defensive line dangerously thin before Sunday's matchup with Los Angeles.
The Washington Commanders ' defensive line just got significantly thinner ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.
Washington placed defensive tackles Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw on injured reserve Tuesday, along with running back Jeremy McNichols.
Three players going on injured reserve in one day would be concerning under almost any circumstances. Losing two interior defensive linemen at the same time is an especially difficult problem to solve.
Payne is reportedly facing season-ending surgery after suffering a Jones fracture in his foot, while Kinlaw will miss at least four games because of a knee injury.
The Commanders do have potential reinforcements, including Johnny Newton, who has been designated to return from injured reserve.
But Washington will need those players to contribute quickly.
With the Rams coming to town, the Commanders don't have much time to rebuild their defensive line rotation.
Daron Payne suffered a Jones fracture in his foot during Friday's practice and was expected to undergo season-ending surgery. Washington's Tuesday injured reserve transaction formally removes him from the active roster. Tuesday's move to injured reserve made his absence official.
I had pitched Payne as a trade piece for Washington after a down year. That idea is somewhat defunct now. A defensive tackle coming off a season-ending foot fracture doesn't carry much value on the trade market, so the Commanders lose whatever return they might have gotten for him. They also lose a space eater in the middle of the line which they will continue to need for the remainder of the season.
Javon Kinlaw's move to injured reserve means Washington will be without another important interior defensive lineman for at least four games.
Kinlaw had already missed the Eagles matchup because of a knee injury. Now the Commanders must prepare for an extended stretch without him.
That's especially concerning with Daron Payne also sidelined. Washington isn't simply replacing one starter or adjusting a single rotation spot. It has to find enough healthy defensive linemen to withstand an extended stretch without two established contributors.
The Rams game will provide an immediate test of how well the remaining players can handle that responsibility.
Jeremy McNichols also landed on injured reserve after suffering a foot injury during Sunday night's win over Philadelphia.
According to reporting from Tashan Reed, McNichols is expected to miss multiple months, although additional medical opinions were still being sought.
The injury interrupts what had been a limited but useful role in Washington's backfield. McNichols had five carries for 21 yards against the Eagles before leaving the game.
His absence creates another roster decision for a Commanders team already dealing with injuries at running back.
Washington will need to adjust its depth and potentially its special teams responsibilities while McNichols recovers.
The Commanders aren't entirely without options.
Defensive tackle Johnny Newton has been designated to return from injured reserve, potentially giving Washington another interior presence as it prepares for the Rams.
Charles Omenihu and Shy Tuttle could also be asked to handle more work after contributing against Philadelphia.
But there's a difference between having available bodies and replacing the responsibilities of two established defensive tackles.
Washington will have to manage its rotation carefully, particularly against an opponent capable of testing the interior of the defensive line.
Newton's availability and readiness could become one of the most important developments to monitor throughout the week.
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Commanders lose two defensive tackles to injured reserve in major blow ahead of critical Rams matchup
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