The bad news just keeps coming for the Washington Commanders. Wide receiver Jaylin Lane suffered a gruesome leg injury in Sunday’s Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts and was carted off the field. After the game, head coach Dan Quinn didn’t sound optimistic about Lane, calling it a “severe ankle injury.”
On Monday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport confirmed the news. Lane suffered a fracture and dislocation of his ankle. Unsurprisingly, the injury is considered to be season-ending for Lane.
The second-year wide receiver from Virginia Tech served as Washington’s primary kick and punt returner this season. Through four games, he averaged 24.6 yards per kickoff return and 12 yards per punt return. Lane has also caught two passes for 25 yards. As a rookie
last season, Lane caught 16 passes for 225 yards and averaged 13.7 yards per punt return and returned two for touchdowns.
#Commanders punt returner and WR Jaylin Lane suffered a fracture and dislocation of his ankle, tests confirmed, and he is likely done for the season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 5, 2026
Lane's ankle has now been stabilized and the speedster is undergoing further tests from the injury in London. pic.twitter.com/TF5E4ylDL1
With Lane out, the Commanders could turn back to wide receiver Luke McCaffrey to return punts. McCaffrey was amongt the NFL’s leaders last season, averaging 30 yards per return before a collarbone injury ended his season in Week 9.
Rookie wideout Antonio Williams could assume Lane's role as punt returner.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders wide receiver likely done for season with ankle injury
