Head coach Dan Quinn said defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw is unlikely to feature on Sunday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles. But if his problem lingers, could it affect the Washington Commanders' stance on trading Daron Payne before the deadline?
It's certainly possible, even with the imminent return of 2024 second-round pick Johnny Newton.
Payne is the subject of inevitable trade speculation right now. The Commanders have started the campaign poorly, and the defensive lineman is out of contract next year.
Javon Kinlaw injury could impact Commanders' trade stance on Daron Payne
If general manager Adam Peters is reluctant to make another lucrative financial commitment, getting something back in return via trade is worth considering.
Of course, the Commanders could get a compensatory pick if Payne leaves in free agency. But if Peters is active once again on the recruitment front, they might not.
That makes Payne's situation precarious, though much will depend on how the Commanders fare over their next two games.
Kinlaw's injury could also impact Peters' decision-making.
The South Carolina product has been a real bright spot amid the almost constant doom and gloom this season. Kinlaw is silencing his doubters, and he's thriving as a 3-4 defensive end in Daronte Jones' scheme.
Commanders need all the help they can get with trade rumors swirling
He's also banged up with a knee injury, which the Commanders must treat carefully to avoid anything long-term.
Missing a couple of games could be the smart approach, especially given Kinlaw's recovery hasn't progressed as the Commanders hoped. That makes keeping Payne integral if Washington really believes that brighter days are ahead.
The Commanders should beat the Eagles, with or without Kinlaw. Anything less will not be tolerated. After that, it's the Los Angeles Rams, which promises to be a much tougher matchup.
Payne and Kinlaw are Washington's best interior forces in the defensive trenches. Free-agent signing Tim Settle Jr. has underwhelmed, and he is now splitting reps with Shy Tuttle. Newton is undersized, so asking him to come in and be a three-down option after recovering from a torn pectoral is a lot to handle.
Aside from that, the Commanders have Charles Omenihu and Deatrich Wise Jr. They are experienced, but their limitations are obvious. And this might be why Peters eventually resists the urge to trade Payne when push comes to shove.
Trading Daron Payne would have big implications for the Commanders
If Kinlaw's absence is just a one-week deal, it's a different story. And if the Commanders cannot beat an under-strength Eagles team on a five-game losing run, all bets are off.
But until then, Payne will remain part of the team.
And if Kinlaw has to miss several weeks, parting ways with Washington's longest-serving defensive player might not even enter the conversation.
Jones is trying to improve defensively. Quinn is trying to save his job by improving results. Fighting hard is no longer enough.
There are no moral victories in the NFL. But for Peters, this is about taking stock right now while keeping an eye on the future.
Payne is probably their most tradable asset, with two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin out for the season after suffering a torn patellar tendon. That doesn't mean he'll be moved, and it becomes even less likely if Kinlaw cannot recover quickly.
Obviously, it's a fluid situation. But with Kinlaw hurt and Payne potentially traded in the near future, the Commanders have almost no shot at stability or consistency on their 3-4 defensive front.
Something to think about amid the swirling rumors.
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