Commanders defensive lineman Johnny Newton had surgery on a torn pectoral muscle in New York on Wednesday, according to The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala.
He is expected to be out a significant stretch, meaning months of the 2026 regular season at least.
Commanders DT Johnny Newton underwent surgery in New York today for a torn pectoral muscle and is expected to miss significant time, per source.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 20, 2026Head coach Dan Quinn said on Wednesday morning that Newton went to see a specialist and that his injury could be long term. That’s in fact the case, after Newton got hurt in Friday’s preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.
That’s a significant blow to the Commanders defensive line depth and to Newton himself. The 2024 second-round NFL draft pick was considered by some as a possible breakout candidate working in new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones’ system.
That opportunity will suffer a massive delay at best.
The Commanders depth suffers up front. Newton was to be an important part of the rotation up front, with Javon Kinlaw, Tim Settle, Daron Payne, Charles Omenihu and Shy Tuttle. This could open a door for recent signing Byron Cowart or Ricky Barber.
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