Washington Commanders Get Mix of Injury Moves on Newton, White

The Washington Commanders got a mix of injury news on Wednesday night regarding a pair of key pieces, including another who could be sidelined long term.

Hours after head coach Dan Quinn noted that defensive tackle Johnny Newton was in New York seeing a specialist, Newton underwent surgery for a torn pectoral muscle and is expected to miss significant time though there is no clear timeframe for a return.

His injury marks a notable absence for a defensive line working to settle in under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. Washington returns Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw while Tim Settle was re-signed for a second stint in Washington. The front office has also signed Ricky Barber drew praise from Quinn on Tuesday while Byron Cowart also stuck out in the preseason win days after being signed.

Newton struggled in Friday's loss, when the injury reportedly occurred, as he looks to upgrade the rotation once he returns to full strength.

His absence marks the latest injury for Washington with cornerback Trey Amos still sidelined with an ankle injury, left tackle Laremy Tunsil expected to miss a significant portion of the upcoming 2026 regular season. The Commanders also saw double digit players sidelined during Wednesday's practice as head coach Dan Quinn provided an update on several, but the good news is there is no concern with one player who was not spotted.

Despite online rumors stating otherwise, running back Rachaad White is not expected to be sidelined long-term after suffering a tweaked hamstring in last week's joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. White was among the two dozen players who worked out ahead of Friday's preseason game but did not play, though his injury is not expected to be serious as he enters 2026 as an expected impact piece.

White arrives in Washington now reunited with his former college teammate, quarterback Jayden Daniels, while he is expected to play a key role in the offense and passing game after four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. White joins a running back room also led by Jacory Croskey-Merritt, while rookies Kaytron Allen and Robert Henry Jr. add intrigue to the room with Jeremy McNichols and Jerome Ford sidelined.

All eyes will shift to whether Quinn confirms the status for any of the other starters this weekend as the Commanders will head north to face the Detroit Lions on Saturday, Aug. 22 for a 12 PM ET kickoff.