Deatrich Wise Jr. - Commanders DL
The Washington Commanders will be relying on those further down the depth chart in their defensive trenches moving forward. Pro Bowler Daron Payne is out for the season with a fractured foot, and the hits kept coming when Javon Kinlaw also landed on season-ending injured reserve after surgery for an MCL injury.
And just like that, Daronte Jones is without his starting 3-4 defensive ends for the rest of 2026.
Not exactly what the Commanders had in mind, but they will just have to roll with the punches. As always in the NFL, it's next man up, so rotational players have to be ready for increased duties whenever their numbers are called.
Losing Payne and Kinlaw is a body blow. This might be felt more in the run game than anywhere else, so it'll be interesting to see how Jones decides to fill the void.
Tim Settle Jr. and Shy Tuttle must come through. But given his run-stopping prowess, giving Deatrich Wise Jr. some work on early downs is a definite option.
Wise returned from a long layoff this season and has played well. Asking him to fill an every-down role right now is a stretch, but if he can make his presence felt on obvious running plays, that will be enough.
Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
The Washington Commanders might never get the player they expected when they drafted Ben Sinnott No. 53 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, but offensive coordinator David Blough is finding ways to get him involved. And even though he is nothing more than a rotational piece, he's got a part to play.
Chig Okonkwo is the primary asset in the passing game at tight end. That's not up for debate, but with John Bates struggling with an injury and showing rare inconsistencies, the Kansas State product has the tools to make a difference.
Sinnott might not get many targets, but he can contribute in other ways. His blocking has improved this season, both in line and at the second level. He is growing more confident, and his versatility to play tight end or even fullback is also serving him well.
The Commanders were expecting Sinnott to evolve into a legitimate total package, the heir apparent to Zach Ertz. That hasn't happened, but the third-year pro is already finding another niche in the offensive rotation, and his special teams work is also worth noting.
And with Bates having new doubters to silence, don't be surprised if Sinnott starts to increase his influence.
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