In less than a week, the Washington Commanders have lost their two best run defenders, but Dan Quinn is optimistic about Johnny Newton’s return.

On Wednesday, the Commanders head coach said Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw will be sorely missed for their role in leading the improving Commanders run defense. Quinn agreed it is a big loss and added, “I liked what I saw in his (Newton) first week back, last week. There was always the quickness and movements that you saw. And then, as the week progressed, you really saw him sticking his arm in there and using it.”

Newton tore a pectoral muscle in the preseason against the Miami Dolphins. He’s been on the injured reserve list and missed all of the first seven games. Last week, the Commanders opened the 21 Day practice window for Newton. This means they had 21 days to practice him and decide whether to activate Newton or place him on season-ending Injured Reserve.

But Quinn added that, though Payne went down last Friday, Quinn did not want to rush Newton back out there. “The goal would be to stack another week of practice. The arrow is going up for sure, and I’m very optimistic for it (Newton’s return). But it’s important to stack another good week of him in practice and movements.”

Newton was the 36th overall draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The thought was obvious: the Commanders would keep Jon Allen and Daron Payne in the starting lineup, but add Newton to the rotation. In a couple of years, Newton would be the man as the Commanders moved on from the two former Alabama Crimson Tide teammates. But Newton has unfortunately disappointed in 2024 and 2025. Interior offensive linemen have pushed him around. Perhaps Newton will be a better fit for the outside lineman in a three-man front, more over the offensive tackle?

Quinn assured the media room that Newton has worked hard and is physically in good condition. “The conditioning part? He has pushed it all the way back to our training camp days. He is in crazy shape. Now it’s a matter of getting the technique ready to go.”

At 6-2, 295, Newton must begin to show in this 3-4 scheme that he is worthy of the 36th overall draft selection.