The Washington Commanders lost a second defensive line starter for the season in less than a week as Javon Kinlaw underwent season-ending knee surgery, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Kinlaw, who played end in their base defense and tackle in their nickel package, injured his MCL in a Week 6 loss at San Francisco.
Two days before the Week 8 win over Philadelphia, Daron Payne fractured his foot in what was described as a "fluke injury" during a light Friday practice. He, too, is out for the season. Like Kinlaw, Payne started at end in their 3-4 base front and played tackle in their nickel package.
It's another blow for the Commanders (2-4-1), who host the Rams (4-4) on Sunday.
Kinlaw, signed to a three-year deal in the 2025 offseason, had started 23 consecutive games for Washington before injuring his knee. He was considered strong against the run and had recorded two tackles for loss. He recorded a career-best 5.2% of his tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage -- only six defensive linemen had a higher percentage.
He had helped more as a pass rusher this season with one sack and three quarterback hits. He did not record a sack last season and was on pace for the most quarterback hits in his career; his previous high was six in 2023 with the 49ers.
The Commanders added depth along the defensive line this season with Charles Omenihu and nose tackle Tim Settle. Omenihu and Deatrich Wise Jr. replaced Payne and Kinlaw in the starting lineup in Washington's 27-10 win over Philadelphia last Sunday.
The Commanders continue to lose key starters. Washington also lost its top receiver, Terry McLaurin, to a torn patellar tendon in his left knee in Week 6. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps on Aug. 8. The Commanders have not yet ruled him out for the season; last week, coach Dan Quinn said Tunsil has a checkup in a couple of weeks that will determine whether there's a chance he could return late in the season.
Washington's leading rusher, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, is on injured reserve with a groin injury and backup running back Jeremy McNichols was placed on injured reserve Tuesday with a foot injury that Quinn termed "serious."