Commanders have a growing injury issue that isn’t getting enough attention

It's been one problem after another for the Washington Commanders this season. Inconsistent performances on the field have become an ongoing frustration, but the number of injuries Dan Quin has had to navigate is nothing short of demoralizing.

Several established figures are out for the season. Jayden Daniels is missing his third game of 2025 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The wide receiver duo of Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. is back following their respective absences. Still, defensive end Dorance Armstrong Jr. is now out for the campaign with a serious knee complication.

The Commanders are dealing with another injury concern that's not getting nearly enough attention.

Commanders could be without Daron Payne in Week 8, and that's a problem

Daron Payne has put together a sensational campaign so far. The formidable defensive tackle has stepped out of Jonathan Allen's shadow, improving his on-field output while also emerging as a locker room leader. He hasn't reached these heights since his Pro Bowl season in 2022, which was, coincidentally, the last time he sought more money.

The last thing Washington needs is to lose its top guy on defense. However, that looks like a very real possibility after he was officially listed as questionable for Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Payne is reportedly dealing with a toe problem. The former Alabama standout was a non-participant in practice all week, but the fact that he wasn't ruled out or even listed as doubtful offers hope.

Wild rumors linking Payne's absence to a trade before the deadline are unsubstantiated and reckless. He's playing like a franchise cornerstone, and the Commanders need to treat him as such. But if the toe is causing discomfort, putting him out there on prime time would do more harm than good.

The Commanders will already have contingency plans in place. They have Javon Kinlaw, Johnny Newton, and Eddie Goldman to pick up the slack. Washington could also elevate Sheldon Day from the practice squad as an insurance policy. That's a decent quartet, all things considered.

Either way, Payne's presence will be sorely missed if he cannot prove his fitness to Washington's staff. They are threadbare on the defensive front as it is. Losing the team's most disruptive interior force is a massive problem against the Chiefs' explosive offense led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Kansas City has some issues along its line, too. First-round offensive tackle Josh Simmons is out due to a personal issue. Ferocious right guard Trey Smith is doubtful, so the Commanders have a chance to confuse if everyone meets expectations.

Payne's absence would change all that, and fans are anxiously awaiting what comes next.