Overview
- Commanders defensive tackle Johnny Newton underwent surgery in New York on Wednesday to repair a torn pectoral and is expected to miss a significant stretch of the 2026 season.
- Head coach Dan Quinn had said Newton saw a specialist after the preseason opener and warned the injury “could be long-term” before media reports confirmed the surgery.
- Newton was a 2024 second-round pick who entered Year 3 with 82 tackles and seven sacks in 33 games, and his absence removes a planned rotational leader in Daronte Jones’ front.
- Washington has already added veteran interior linemen and will give Tim Settle an accelerated return to practice while Ricky Barber Jr., Shy Tuttle, Byron Cowart and Maurice Hurst compete for immediate snaps.
- Newton’s surgery adds to a larger training-camp injury wave — including Laremy Tunsil’s triceps repair — that is shaping cautious preseason usage and likely roster moves before Week 1.