The Washington Commanders downgraded starting defensive tackle Daron Payne from questionable to out for Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the host Philadelphia Eagles.
Payne, 27, missed practice all week because of a knee injury. He also is dealing with a finger injury after playing with a dislocated thumb in playoff victories over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions.
In another move Saturday, the Commanders elevated defensive tackle Carl Davis as well as cornerback Kevon Seymour from the practice squad to the active roster.
Washington, which split two regular-season games against its NFC East rival, is tasked with trying to contain Philadelphia’s star running back Saquon Barkley — now without Payne.
Payne has 42 tackles this season, including four sacks and five tackles for loss, as well as seven quarterback hits. A Pro Bowl selection in 2022 when he had career highs with 64 tackles and 11.5 sacks, Payne also was on the 2018 NFL All-Rookie team.
He has 386 career tackles, 34 sacks, 58 tackles for loss, 73 QB hits, one interception, six forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries in 115 games (109 starts). Payne has started every game since the 2020 season.
Washington selected him with the 13th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Alabama.
