The Washington Commanders' 2026 season is already looking bleak, with two straight losses and quarterback Jayden Daniels suffering another dislocated elbow. But defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw's improvements are a shining light amid the chaos.
Unfortunately, this positive momentum could get interrupted by a shoulder injury sustained in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys.
In the summer of 2025, general manager Adam Peters opened up his checkbook for Kinlaw, a player he helped draft in the first round in 2020 while with the San Francisco 49ers. He responded by recording as many sacks as you and I did last season.
Javon Kinlaw has found a new lease of life in Commanders' defensive shift
In only two games this time around, he's already got one. Health permitting, Kinlaw needs to build on it as he gains experience in defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' system.
Kinlaw had a strong Week 1 performance against the Philadelphia Eagles as he and the entire Commanders' front seven made life difficult for Jalen Hurts. He built on it by finally breaking into the sack column against the Cowboys, bringing down Dak Prescott during the second quarter.
In Jones' 3-4 scheme, Kinlaw appears to be an early beneficiary.
It hasn't been as smooth sailing for his linemates Daron Payne and Tim Settle Jr., but the South Carolina product has been bringing pressure and stopping the run. In addition to his sack last weekend, he also had an impressive goal-line stand against running back Javonte Williams.
Kinlaw seems to finally be finding his footing in Washington after taking a season to acclimate to his new surroundings. However, now he'll have to fight through even more adversity.
Javon Kinlaw won't want his shoulder injury to damage his building momentum
The veteran injured his shoulder late in the Week 2 contest and left the game. Head coach Dan Quinn said he will likely be limited in practice throughout the week, with his status uncertain when the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks come to Northwest Stadium.
The timing is unfortunate given Kinlaw's strong start. Especially amid a sea of additional injuries, including those to Daniels and offensive linemen Sam Cosmi and Brandon Coleman, as well as the already existing absences of Laremy Tunsil, Trey Amos, and Frankie Luvu.
But thankfully, it doesn't sound like it's too serious.
This should be no more than a one-week ailment (if even that) for Kinlaw. When he returns, he'll need to pick up where he left off.
Peters knows him well. He also expressed a generous amount of belief in the seventh-year pro with his three-year, $45 million deal that also came with $30 million in guaranteed money.
He's a player who has shown he can thrive in the right situation, and right now Kinlaw is in it.
It'll need to stay that way all year long.
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