Johnny Newton suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the first Commanders preseason game. That’s normally a season-ender. It’s not the case this time.
The second-year defensive lineman had his 21-day practice window opened on Wednesday, formally designating him to return off injured reserve.
By rule, Newton must be activated within that window or he’ll be held on season-ending injured reserve.
“He has worked his ass off,” head coach Dan Quinn said.
Getting Newton back would be important for the team, considering
his talents as an interior pass rusher and a stout run defender.
That wasn’t the only roster move Washington made on Wednesday afternoon. The Commanders formally placed receiver Terry McLaurin on injured reserve. He suffered a season-ending torn patellar tendon during a Week 6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Van Jefferson was promoted off the practice squad in a corresponding move. Jefferson was chosen over Jaden Bradley, and provides a more veteran presences in terms of depth.
He joins a six-man group that has dealt with some significant injuries. Expect Treylon Burks to man the X position and to have Antonio Williams significantly increase his snap count.
