It's been one significant issue after another for the Washington Commanders. The number of influential players who've suffered or are suffering from brutal injuries right now is astonishing, and it shows no signs of slowing down just yet.
Superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels is missing in Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs with a low-grade hamstring strain. That wasn't all, with the Commanders forced to sign free-agent kicker Matthew Wright to the practice squad just hours before kickoff after Matt Gay's back issue didn't heal in time.
Not exactly the most stable way to enter a game versus one of the leading Super Bowl challengers on prime time. And then, there was the concerning situation with formidable defensive tackle Daron Payne.
The former Alabama standout has been a revelation this season. Payne's been on a tear, dominating in the trenches and looking on course to secure another lucrative long-term commitment ahead of time next spring. However, his momentum threatened to halt after a toe injury prevented him from practicing before Washington's prime-time encounter.
Commanders will have Daron Payne leading the charge despite injury concerns
Despite being listed as a non-participant, the Commanders listed Payne as questionable. They were going to give him every chance of featuring, especially considering the defensive front is already missing edge rusher Dorance Armstrong Jr. to a season-ending knee injury. It was a touch-and-go situation, but Washington calling up interior lineman Sheldon Day from the practice squad didn't exactly paint the most promising picture.
All eyes were on Washington's inactives list to see if Payne's name would be included. As it turned out, he was not on there. The dominant game-wrecker was active, which was a massive relief for fans who were already dreading going up against Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes without him.
Payne will take his place in the lineup, but he's not going to be anything close to 100 percent. The Commanders might manage his reps, so examining his early usage is crucial. But make no mistake, having him in the lineup is far more beneficial than the imposing figure watching from the sidelines.
Let's hope that the toe problem that caused him to miss so much practice in the lead-up to this one doesn't hinder his ability to cause havoc. Time will tell on that one, but the Commanders are a much better team when Payne is leading the charge.