The Washington Commanders received a big boost with the return to practice of defensive lineman Johnny Newton. He's been a forgotten man so far, but his return before midseason means hope isn't lost just yet.
Newton's had a luckless run in Washington since becoming the No. 36 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. But now, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
The interior presence has dealt with several frustrating injuries that have prevented him from making a significant difference. Fans are right to question whether Newton has any sort of future with the club, but he should now get a strong audition to prove it.
Johnny Newton must hit the ground running as Commanders return nears
Things looked bleak for Newton when he suffered a torn pectoral muscle at training camp. He immediately saw a specialist, who decided surgery was the best option. The Illinois product attacked his rehabilitation, and the Commanders felt comfortable enough to open his 21-day return window.
That doesn't mean he will feature on Sunday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles. But with Javon Kinlaw unlikely to play, the possibility can't be completely dismissed.
Whether it's this week, next week, or a little further out, Newton has to make a big impression when he gets the all-clear to take the field. It hasn't been an easy ride, but this is Year 3 of his professional career, and the Commanders have yet to see much return on their second-round investment.
Newton has flashed as a pass-rusher. His standout moment was a three-sack showing against the Dallas Cowboys last season, but he still has a long way to go before he becomes a total package you can trust on every down.
While Newton has burst and knows how to get after the quarterback, his run-stopping flaws are glaring. He doesn't have the play strength to hold his ground, and his lack of core strength in his base makes it hard to anchor effectively.
Until that changes, he will be nothing more than a rotational presence.
Johnny Newton is fighting for his Commanders future
This is it for Newton, and the objectives are clear.
Staying healthy is the biggest. Developing enough play strength to be more forceful against the run is another. Adding to his pass-rush repertoire and embracing the 3-4 defensive end role within Daronte Jones' scheme should also be high on his priority list.
The Commanders need Newton to become a viable depth piece at best. They are desperately short of legitimate options behind the starters, and Tim Settle Jr. is now splitting reps with Shy Tuttle at the nose.
Couple that with concerns about Kinlaw's injury and trade speculation around Daron Payne, and Newton's importance can grow if he hits the ground running.
Easier said than done, but the torn pectoral has obviously healed enough to ramp up his return process.
And the timing couldn't be better.
What comes next depends on Newton. He must prove himself all over again, win the coaches' trust, and get the fan base back onside. It will be challenging, but plenty of football remains before his eventual fate is decided.
And who knows, Newton might end up having a future in Washington after all.
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