Commanders Starter Now in Danger of Missing NFC Title Game vs. Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for the NFC championship game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The Birds are one win away from returning to the Super Bowl.

At this stage of the season, every team is dealing with injuries to key contributors. The Eagles are dealing with injuries to Dallas Goedert and Cam Jurgens and will have Jalen Hurts playing with a knee brace.

For the Commanders, starting offensive lineman Sam Cosmi has already been ruled out with a knee injury earlier in the week. Washington released their final injury report on Friday, and they are at risk of being another starter down for Sunday's clash. Per the report, starting defensive tackle Daron Payne is questionable to play with a knee and finger injury after missing this third straight practice.

Commanders DT Daron Payne Now at Real Risk of Missing Eagles Game

This would be a big loss for the Commanders. Payne hasn't missed a game for the Commanders in the past four seasons and has been one of their most reliable defenders. The former Pro Bowler played more snaps as an interior defender than any other Commander.

The Commanders already have a defensive line weakness. They struggle in stopping the run, ranking 29th in the league in terms of run defense and overall defensive grade per Pro Football Focus. Missing their most consistent player there will almost certainly have an impact for the Commanders.

In Payne's absence, Jer'Zhan Newton and Sheldon Day should get an increased role. One of them will likely start opposite Jonathan Allen on the interior. Considering that all of these options ranked in the bottom half of eligible interior defenders this season per PFF, the Eagles should have a major opportunity to put up points on the board on Sunday.

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