Washington fans were undoubtedly concerned during late in Sunday’s 24-16 win over the Atlanta Falcons. On a second-and-goal from the Commanders’ two-yard line, Washington defensive tackle Daron Payne was injured on the same play in which he committed a neutral zone infraction.
Payne looked to be in considerable pain, leaving the field with trainers.
Washington called timeout. When the game returned from a break, Payne was back on the field, and his impact was felt. Eventually, the Falcons would face a fourth-and-goal. Under heavy pressure, quarterback Desmond Ridder lofts the ball into the end zone where cornerback Benjamin St-Juste was waiting for his first career interception.
Crisis averted for the Commanders.
But what happened to Payne?
After the game, he spoke to reporters and said he dislocated a finger. Ouch. But this is the best part:
Daron Payne dislocated his finger but set it back himself. “It’s messed up but it’ll be ok.”
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 15, 2023
Payne is a tough dude. In the first season of a four-year, $90 million contract, Payne never misses time. Sure, the coaches give all the defensive linemen a breather, but you can count on Payne and Jonathan Allen to always be on the field in crunch time.