Daron Payne designated ‘out’ for Commanders in NFC championship game

Tough news for the Commanders ahead of the NFC championship game.

The Commanders got some bad news Saturday.

The Commanders downgraded defensive tackle Daron Payne to “out” for Sunday’s NFC championship game against the Eagles in Philadelphias.

It’s been a rough two weeks for Payne. The former first-round draft pick from Alabama in 2018 injured a finger against the Bucs in the Wild Card round but toughed it out, had it re-taped, and played against the Lions last week.

However, Payne also aggravated a knee. With both injuries, the Commanders’ brass has determined it better they not put Payne out there trying to stop the daunting Eagles running game, including Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts.

No doubt Payne wanted to be out there, as he has played through numerous injuries over the years, making himself available week after week.

What does this mean for the Commanders’ run defense against the Eagles? They have elevated DT Carl Davis and tackles rookie Jer’Zhan (Johnny) Newton (Illinois), veteran Sheldon Day, and Jonathan Allen will get more reps.

Big picture-wise, it means Washington lost their best interior offensive lineman, right guard Sam Cosmi, for the remainder of this season and their most reliable/healthy defensive player for years in Payne.

 

Commanders vs. Eagles: Latest injury news for NFC championship

The final injury report contained some good news for the Eagles.

The final injury report for the NFC championship game is out, and it contained positive news for both the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles.

The only player ruled out for the Commanders is a big one, but it was expected. Starting right guard Sam Cosmi injured his ACL in last week’s win over the Lions and is out for the remainder of the playoffs. Other than Cosmi, three players were listed as questionable:

  • QB Jeff Driskel: Illness
  • DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste: Shoulder
  • DT Daron Payne: Knee/finger

After their win over the Los Angeles Rams, there was plenty of concern for the Eagles regarding quarterback Jalen Hurts and cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. Hurts suffered a knee injury when he was bent back awkwardly after a sack. He practiced this week and downplayed the injury. It does sound like Hurts could wear a brace during the game.

Mitchell injured his shoulder last week and is good to go.

Tight end Dallas Goedert is dealing with an ankle injury, but he said he’ll be on the field Sunday against the Commanders.

Finally, there is Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens. Jurgens missed some practice time this week due to a back injury, and he is listed as questionable.

Commanders vs. Eagles: Thursday injury report ahead of NFC championship

The second injury report of the week is out ahead of the NFC championship.

The Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles were back on the practice field Thursday, ahead of Sunday’s NFC championship game.

Four players missed practice for Washington. One of those is right guard Sam Cosmi, who will soon be placed on season-ending injured reserve. Cosmi suffered an ACL injury in last week’s win over the Detroit Lions.

Third-string quarterback Jeff Driskel, defensive tackle Daron Payne, and linebacker Bobby Wagner also missed Thursday’s practice. Remember, Wagner missed multiple practices last week and played against Detroit. There’s no way he will miss this game. As for Payne, he injured his finger two weeks ago in Tampa but is now listed as having a knee injury.

Here’s Washington’s injury report:

As for the Eagles, all eyes are on quarterback Jalen Hurts. He was on the practice field Thursday. Hurts injured his knee in Sunday’s win over the Rams.

Something to monitor for the Eagles is center Cam Jurgens. Left guard Landon Dickerson took snaps at center with Tyler Steen at left guard. Dickerson played center at Alabama. However, it appears precautionary as head coach Nick Sirianni indicated Jurgens would practice.

We will update the Eagles’ full injury report once they make it available.

Quinyon Mitchell injury updates: Latest news on Eagles CB

The latest on Eagles CB Quinyon Mitchell ahead of Sunday’s NFC championship vs. Commanders.

Much of the talk surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of Sunday’s NFC championship game against the Washington Commanders surrounds quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts injured his knee in Sunday’s NFC divisional round win over the Rams when his knee was bent backward awkwardly.

However, Hurts wasn’t the only Eagle injured in Sunday’s win. Rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, who started 16 games this season, departed with a shoulder injury and did not return. After the game, it was reported Mitchell avoided serious injury.

On Wednesday, the Eagles returned to practice with a walkthrough. Mitchell was listed as limited. He did speak to the media after practice and intends to play Sunday.

“Feeling good, ready to go this Sunday,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell then explained what happened in Sunday’s win over the Rams.

“Just tried to make a tackle, kind of felt something in my left shoulder/neck area, just couldn’t come back in,” he answered.

How confident is Mitchell about making a tackle against the Commanders?

“I am very comfortable, no limitations,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell was outstanding in the Week 11 win over Washington in Philadelphia. However, Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin beat him for a touchdown in the Week 16 rematch.

Mitchell will likely play, but veteran Isaiah Rodgers would fill in if Mitchell has any setbacks.

Jalen Hurts injury updates: Latest news on Eagles QB ahead of NFC championship

The latest on Eagles QB Jalen Hurts ahead of Sunday’s NFC championship vs. Commanders.

The Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles returned to practice Wednesday in preparation for their NFC championship showdown Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.

All eyes were on Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Would Hurts practice after having his knee bent backward in Sunday’s NFC divisional round win over the Rams? While Hurts went to the blue medical tent, he quickly returned to the game. However, Hurts didn’t quite look the same for the remainder of the game.

On Wednesday, Hurts was listed as limited for Philadelphia’s first practice of the week. It wasn’t a full practice but a walkthrough. Hurts spoke to the media and intends to play on Sunday.

“It’s just been progressing,” Hurts said via Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports. “Taking it a day at a time. I was able to participate and being involved in stuff. Taking it one day at a time.”

Hurts’ mobility is a big part of his game and Philadelphia’s offense. The fifth-year quarterback rushed for 630 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. If Hurts is limited during Sunday’s game, it likely impacts how the Commanders defend the Eagles, specifically running back Saquon Barkley.

“Every game is different, so I’m just going to take it one day at a time,” Hurts said. “I’ll just continue to progress.”

A Philadelphia-area orthopedic surgeon speculated that Hurts could be dealing with a sprained ACL.

“Gun to my head, gut feeling, maybe a mild MCL sprain, medial collarette ligament, I think his ankle got caught up and then I think he tweaked the knee,” Dr. Mark Schwartz said.

Hurts was knocked out in the second half of Washington’s Week 16 game against Philadelphia with a concussion.

Jalen Hurts injury updates: Latest news on Eagles QB

The latest on Eagles QB Jalen Hurts ahead of Sunday’s NFC championship vs. Commanders.

The Washington Commanders will face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in the NFC championship game. This is the third meeting of the season between the longtime NFC East rivals, but it is also their first-ever meeting in the NFC title game. However, one question will loom over this game: the injury status of Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.

In Philadelphia’s NFC divisional round win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Hurts was sacked and bent back awkwardly. He appeared to injure his knee on the play but remained in the game.

Afterward, Hurts was vague about his knee. We’ll likely know more about Hurts once the Eagles release their first injury report of the week, but Hurts indicated he’d be on the field next week against the Commanders.

So, while Hurts or Philadelphia didn’t disclose information regarding any potential injury, Dr. Mark Schwartz, an orthopedic surgeon and Co-Director of Virtua Health Sports Medicine Program in New Jersey, joined 94WIP Morning Show in Philadelphia on Monday to discuss the injury.

“Gun to my head, gut feeling, maybe a mild MCL sprain, medial collarette ligament, I think his ankle got caught up and then I think he tweaked the knee,” Schwartz said.

So why does Schwartz think it’s only a mild sprain?

“Well, they put him back in the game,” he said. “I think that’s the kind of the litmus test that he was able to finish the game; he didn’t miss any plays during the game……..I think he’ll probably get an MRI this week, and they’ll probably get some rehab. I guess they’ll see how he feels as the week progresses. The problem is he’s a mobile quarterback, and his mobility is definitely impaired.”

Schwartz said it was a concerning injury for a mobile quarterback.

What does it mean for Sunday’s game against the Commanders?

“I think they probably give him a protective brace to protect the MCL; they may limit how much he is running.”

Schwartz said he was confident Hurts didn’t tear his ACL.

It’s likely the Eagles will not reveal the severity of Hurts’ injury, regardless of how minor it is.

Commanders’ Sam Cosmi has message for teammates, fans

Sam Cosmi posted a heartfelt message to his teammates and Washington fans.

Sam Cosmi has been knocked down, but he is not pitying himself.

The former Texas Longhorn tackle was injured Saturday night in the second quarter of the Commanders’ 45-31 upset over the Lions in Detroit.

The right guard was rolled up under from behind, never saw it coming, and head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the injury to be season-ending for Cosmi. It is an ACL injury, which explains why Cosmi could not return to action in the second half against the Lions.

Cosmi played on teams that struggled in his first three seasons under Ron Rivera and did not produce a winning record. Last week, he expressed his appreciation for being part of this team.

Consequently, rather than sit around and feel sorry for himself (which would be understandable), Cosmi reached out to his fellow teammates and the fan base on Sunday, expressing his gratitude for this remarkable 2024 Washington Commanders season.

In an Instagram post, he expressed that this season has been a dream for him, that he loves seeing the DMV full of pride in the team, and thanked his brothers (teammates) for bonding together for something bigger than themselves. Understandably, Cosmi said he is both grateful and heartbroken. He then told his teammates to go win the Super Bowl.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFBiICtuiOe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Cosmi was drafted 51st overall in the 2021 NFL draft by the Commanders, played tackle and has blossomed when he was switched inside to guard.

 

 

Sam Cosmi injury update: Dan Quinn offers unfortunate update on Commanders guard

Disappointing news for the Commanders and Sam Cosmi.

There was only one blemish in Washington’s 45-31 win over the Detroit Lions Saturday in the NFC divisional round. Right guard Sam Cosmi went down with an injury in the second quarter and did not return.

The replay showed a Detroit defender rolling up Cosmi from behind.

On Sunday, head coach Dan Quinn said Cosmi suffered an ACL injury and is done for the remainder of the playoffs. This is obviously a big blow to Washington’s offensive line in the playoffs, but it also means Cosmi could miss some time early next season, depending on his recovery.

Veteran offensive tackle Trent Scott played right guard after Cosmi departed, and it looks like that will be the case from now on, beginning with next week’s NFC championship game.

Cosmi, a second-round pick in 2021, moved to guard in 2023, excelled, and earned a four-year extension just before the season began. Cosmi has started every game at right guard over the last two years.

Cosmi, one of the team’s best young players, has been outspoken about his happiness playing for head coach Dan Quinn and Washington’s new regime.

Is Johni Broome playing today? Injury updates for Auburn forward ahead of Georgia game

Auburn forward Johni Broome is dealing with an ankle injury. Here are the latest updates ahead of No. 1 Auburn’s game at No. 23 Georgia.

The No. 1 Auburn Tigers travel to Athens on Saturday to face No. 23 Georgia in a key SEC matchup. Will they be without Johni Broome for the second game in a row?

Broome exited Auburn’s game at South Carolina early in the second half last Saturday due to an ankle injury. An MRI revealed that the injury was not significant enough to require surgery, but the timetable for his return is unknown.

The Tigers have earned a key win in Broome’s absence, defeating Mississippi State in Neville Arena on Tuesday, 88-68. Auburn forwards accounted for 21 points in the win, led by Chaney Johnson’s 17-point outing.

Here is the latest news surrounding Broome’s injury ahead of Auburn’s top-25 showdown at Georgia on Saturday.

Johni Broome injury update

Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl suggested Thursday that Broome would miss the Georgia game by saying: “We are down one of the most dynamic offensive players in college basketball…we have to find other ways to score.”

Friday’s SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report confirmed the suspicion as Broome is listed as “out” for Auburn’s game at Georgia on Saturday, marking the second game in a row that Broome will not be available for the Tigers.

How long will Johni Broome be out?

The timetable for Broome’s return is still in the air. The good news for Auburn is that they will be idle for midweek action, which could allow more time for Broome to heal and for Auburn to be without him for fewer games.

Auburn basketball depth chart

Chaney Johnson filled the void left by Broome beautifully in Tuesday’s win over No. 18 Mississippi State by scoring 17 points and hauling in eight rebounds. Expect Johnson to have similar production in the Tigers road game at Georgia. Ja’heim Hudson, Jahki Howard, and Chris Moore will also see action at forward on Saturday.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

Will Bobby Wagner play Saturday? Injury update for Commanders LB

Will Bobby Wagner play Saturday? The latest on the Commanders LB.

Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner never misses time. So, it raised some concerns when the 13-year veteran missed two practices this week ahead of Saturday’s playoff game against the Detroit Lions.

Would Wagner miss Saturday’s game? The future Hall of Famer came up with the key turnover in last week’s wild-card win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but also injured his ankle in the win.

On Thursday, head coach Dan Quinn spoke to the media and assured everyone that Wagner was fine and he’d be on the field against the Lions.

“No. So, he did a good job on the rehab part of it of things, but getting a chance to see him yesterday some, through the rehab and in today’s practice, he looks strong,” Quinn said when asked if there were any concerns with Wagner’s ankle. 

Wagner was limited in practice Thursday but did not receive an injury designation for the game.

In case you didn’t believe Quinn, Wagner was asked if he expected the ankle injury to hinder him.

“It’s life, nah, I’m straight,” Wagner told reporters after practice.

As reporters tried to get more from Wagner, he sounded exactly like a head coach.

“I’m not about to talk about the injury or anything because, you know, the Detroit Lions are watching.”

Wagner then told the assembled media, “See you guys Saturday.”

Of course, Wagner is playing. Nothing would keep Wagner off the field Saturday against the heavily favored Detroit Lions.