Commanders Battling Injuries Ahead of Preseason Game vs. Detroit

The Washington Commanders are still weeks away from kicking off the 2026 regular season, but who among the starters will be available remains the biggest question with multiple impact pieces working through injuries.

The latest was veteran Daron Payne, who is reportedly working through a minor undisclosed injury after he was not seen on the field during Thursday's practice. Though there does not appear to be any concern with his status, it marks another absence along a defensive line working to integrate new and familiar pieces into a new defensive scheme under defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.

With Payne sidelined in the meantime, similar could be said for cornerback Trey Amos as he recovers from his sprained ankle, though head coach Dan Quinn also confirmed he will be sidelined for this weekend's road game.

Dan Quinn also confirmed that defensive tackle Johnny Newton underwent successful surgery for a torn pectoral muscle after Quinn previously noted the former second round pick saw a specialist in New York. Though an exact timeframe to return is unclear, Quinn confirmed that Newton will miss "a significant amount of time."

While Quinn also confirmed that some starters will play on Saturday, center Nick Allegretti will not be one of them as the Commanders remain patient through his recovery, which was tested earlier this week. Allegretti was limited in practice on Wednesday after Quinn noted that his calf, which he injured on the first day of training camp, was tight during Wednesday's practice, leading the medical staff to evaluate him before getting back clean imaging results.

Running back Rachaad White is another who will remain inactive for the second consecutive preseason game after suffering a tweaked hamstring on the final play of last week's joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Yet his status appears much more optimistic after Quinn joked the former Tampa Bay running back is "trying to get back on the field without anybody knowing." Yet with the growing list of injuries, especially at key positions, the Commanders remain patient with one who is expected to be an impact piece in year one with the franchise.

White was spotted on the field for Thursday's practice alongside quarterback Marcus Mariota, running back Jeremy McNichols, linebacker Jordan Magee, edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson and defensive tackle Tim Settle.

Of course, the biggest question is who is available to play, and whether Jayden Daniels will get a chance to finally take the field in what could be his lone appearance through preseason. Yet Quinn remained cautious about committing to whether his starting quarterback will ultimately suit up, instead noting that a "good amount of starters" will get playing time.

The Commanders are set to face the Detroit Lions on Saturday, Aug. 22 for a 12 PM ET kickoff before closing out the preseason schedule against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium next weekend.