The Washington Commanders entered the 2026 season with many goals after last year's 5-12 disaster, but one stood out above the rest: stay healthy.
And in that regard, things are already less than optimal.
Third-year defensive tackle Johnny Newton has joined five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil on the long-term injury list as he will miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season with a torn pectoral muscle. The Commanders are also dealing with ailments to cornerback Trey Amos, center Nick Allegretti, and more.
Johnny Newton had potential with the Commanders, but it doesn't seem like it's going to pan out
It's not great. And where the 2024 second-round pick is concerned, it's more than this year that might be a lost cause.
The Johnny Newton news stinks. High likelihood he's done in DC.
— Denton Day (D-Day) (@TheDentonDay) August 20, 2026
So much upside when he was drafted. So much selling by the team of his upside. He just never became the potential. #RaiseHail
The Commanders had high hopes when they drafted Newton out of Illinois. He was considered a "best player available" pick, and general manager Adam Peters thought he had one of the steals of the draft. The Pro Bowl-level upside was very much there.
However, injuries plagued him from the start.
Newton received surgeries on both feet prior to his rookie season and suddenly became a developmental project. He ended up starting 11 games in 2024 after Jonathan Allen missed most of the year, but was benched after the signing of Javon Kinlaw.
Last season, Newton saw his snaps decline as he was used only as a rotational presence. He recorded five sacks, including three in one game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17, but struggled mightily to stop the run. And even prior to this week, he was set to be moved even further down the depth chart.
Washington again signed a veteran in Tim Settle Jr. this offseason to start over Newton, who found himself battling with the likes of Ricky Barber and Shy Tuttle for a backup role on the 3-4 defensive front being implemented by new coordinator Daronte Jones. Not exactly what the Commanders envisaged when they took him at No. 36 overall.
It was already going to be difficult for the third-year player to make much of an impact, barring injuries to those ahead of him. Instead, Newton may be the one out for the entire season.
It's hard to see any coming back from this.
By next year, Washington may have a long-term plan on the defensive line that doesn't include Newton. He might get another shot to crack the roster, but it's no sure thing.
And if he does, he'll be buried.
Newton had potential but struggled to play up to it, and now the fat lady has sung.
This pick was a swing and a miss.
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