Daron Payne: Everything you need to know

Payne recorded 46 total tackles (20 solo), including 3.0 sacks, while also adding five passes defensed and a forced fumble over 15 games during the 2025 regular season. Payne maintained his consistent level of production in his eighth campaign in Washington, securing at least 3.0 sacks for the sixth straight year and seventh time overall. The defensive lineman had appeared in every regular-season contest with the team in each of the last five years, but he was forced to miss two games in 2025, one due to a suspension and the other as a result of a back injury. Payne will enter the 2026 campaign in the final year of his four-year, $90 million contract with the Commanders.

Payne (back) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. Payne missed the Christmas Day matchup with the Cowboys but appears ready to return following the one-game absence. The veteran defensive tackle has appeared in 14 contest this season, logging 42 tackles (17 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and five pass breakups on 61 percent of the defensive snaps.

Payne (back) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Cowboys. Payne was held out of all three practice sessions during Week 17 prep due to a back issue. The veteran defensive tackle will be sidelined Christmas Day, so Sheldon Day and Jer'Zhan Newton are the top candidates to start alongside Javon Kinlaw in Payne's absence. With the Commanders eliminated from playoff contention, Payne's last opportunity to play this season is Week 18 against the Eagles.