Commanders' Payne ruled out for NFC title game

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne was ruled out of Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles with knee and finger injuries.

Payne was previously listed as questionable and had missed practice throughout the week. He played just 37 snaps in last week's divisional-round win over the Detroit Lions while playing through the injuries.

The one-time Pro Bowler has missed just one game in his seven-year career. Payne recorded four sacks and 42 tackles across 17 regular-season contests in 2024 but has just one tackle in two postseason games this year.

The Commanders will rely more heavily on Jonathan Allen in Payne's absence, along with rookie defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton and veteran Sheldon Day. Washington has recorded three sacks thus far this postseason across wins over the Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Washington takes on the Eagles in the NFC title game Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.