Commanders losing defensive line depth with Johnny Newton injury

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Johnny Newton. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Commanders losing defensive line depth with Johnny Newton injury

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 19, 2026 11:16 PM ET

After a disappointing 2025 season in which the Washington Commanders went 5-12 and had a horrendous defense, fixing that was a major focus of the offseason.

One player who was expected to make strides in his third season was defensive lineman Johnny Newton.

Instead, though, Newton will now be out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for a torn pectoral muscle.

Newton now joins Laremy Tunsil as the latest Washington player to suffer from a major injury that will keep him out of action for a good chunk of the season.

Sources: #Commanders DT Johnny Newton underwent surgery for a torn pectoral muscle and is expected to miss significant time.

The former Illinois standout has 82 tackles, 7 sacks (5 last year), 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 33 career games. pic.twitter.com/OVq4mvoxYT
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 20, 2026

Defensive line may be Washington's deepest position

Despite losing Newton for a major portion of the season, the Commanders' front office made a conscious effort to beef up the defensive line in free agency and the draft.

Washington added Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, Deatrich Wise, Drake Jackson, Tim Settle, Joshua Josephs and others to give itself plenty of depth at a position group that also consists of Dorance Armstrong and Daron Payne.

Commanders defense will be under new leadership in 2026

All of those defensive players will be coached by new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, the same role he served in with the Minnesota Vikings.

A returning Newton toward the end of the season could be an important piece for a Commanders team that is aiming to get back to the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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