Commanders Activate DT Jer’Zhan Newton From IR, Place WR Dyami Brown On IR

The Commanders will use an IR activation on Newton, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets. Newton was not designated for return August 30, so this move will count against Washington’s eight-activation total. More wide receiver trouble has also emerged for Dan Quinn’s team, with the club announcing Dyami Brown is headed to IR. The team also elevated WR Jaden Bradley from its practice squad.

Washington placed Newton on IR on August 31, keeping its options open here. Had the Commanders used an IR-return designation on him August 30 — when two such moves are allowed to save roster spots — it would have already counted against their eight IR activations this season. Although the team played it safe with Newton and injured left tackle Laremy Tunsil, the former’s return will help after Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw recently suffered season-ending injuries.

Payne suffered a Jones fracture, while Kinlaw underwent MCL surgery. Both are not expected back this season, gutting the Commanders on their D-line interior. Newton was moved to a backup role last season, after starting 11 games in 2024. Washington had signed Kinlaw to team with Payne. Without both, Newton will need to play a bigger role upon return.

Newton still tallied five sacks in a reduced role last season, seeing his snap share drop from 51% to 38% on defense from 2024-25. Washington brought back Tim Settle in free agency this offseason and has veteran Shy Tuttle in the mix. But this will be a good opportunity for the team to further evaluate Newton, a former No. 36 overall pick. Though, Quinn’s seat is scorching hot at this point. While the Commanders are still competing in a disappointing NFC East, signs point to the team having a new defensive system in 2027.

Brown joined Settle in signing up for a second Commanders stint this offseason. After disappointing on a one-year, $10MM Jaguars pact, Brown rejoined the Commanders at a much lower rate (one year, $1.75MM). He has nine receptions for 94 yards this season. The Commanders have been connected to WR interest, after losing Terry McLaurin for the season, but it will be interesting to see if the team — underdogs against the Rams in Week 9 — will choose to buy with a 2-5-1 record.