Payne recorded 46 total tackles (20 solo), including 3.0 sacks, while also adding five passes defensed and a forced fumble over 15 games during the 2025 regular season.

EDGE Analysis

Payne maintained his consistent level of production in his eighth campaign in Washington, securing at least 3.0 sacks for the sixth straight year and seventh time overall. The defensive lineman had appeared in every regular-season contest with the team in each of the last five years, but he was forced to miss two games in 2025, one due to a suspension and the other as a result of a back injury. Payne will enter the 2026 campaign in the final year of his four-year, $90 million contract with the Commanders.

Payne (back) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Payne missed the Christmas Day matchup with the Cowboys but appears ready to return following the one-game absence. The veteran defensive tackle has appeared in 14 contest this season, logging 42 tackles (17 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and five pass breakups on 61 percent of the defensive snaps.

Payne (back) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Cowboys.

EDGE Analysis

Payne was held out of all three practice sessions during Week 17 prep due to a back issue. The veteran defensive tackle will be sidelined Christmas Day, so Sheldon Day and Jer'Zhan Newton are the top candidates to start alongside Javon Kinlaw in Payne's absence. With the Commanders eliminated from playoff contention, Payne's last opportunity to play this season is Week 18 against the Eagles.

Payne (back) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's estimated practice report.

EDGE Analysis

The Commanders held a walkthrough Monday after losing to the Eagles on Saturday. The veteran defensive lineman hasn't missed a game to injury since the 2019 campaign. Through 14 contests this season, Payne has recorded 42 tackles (17 solo), including 2.0 sacks, five pass breakups and one forced fumble.

The NFL lifted Payne's one-game suspension Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

EDGE Analysis

Payne was unsuccessful in his appeal of a one-game suspension stemming from his actions during the Commanders' Week 10 loss against the Lions, when he punched Amon-Ra St. Brown. Payne sat out of Sunday's overtime loss to the Dolphins, and with the Commanders on a bye Week 12, his next opportunity to play is Week 13 against the Broncos on Sunday, Nov. 30.

Payne's one-game suspension was upheld on appeal Monday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Payne was suspended one game for punching Amon-Ra St. Brown during the Commanders' loss to the Lions on Sunday. With Payne out for Week 11 against the Dolphins in Madrid, look for Eddie Goldman, Jer'Zhan Newton and Sheldon Day to see increased playing time up front on the defensive line.

Payne will appeal his one-game suspension, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Payne was hit with a one-game suspension after he threw a punch at Amon-Ra St. Brown during Washington's blowout loss to the Lions on Sunday. Payne was ejected from the contest and will not be permitted to travel with the team to Madrid, Spain for Sunday's game against the Dolphins unless he wins his appeal.

Payne has been suspended one game for punching Amon-Ra St. Brown during Sunday's loss against Detroit, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

After being disqualified from Sunday's game for unsportsmanlike conduct, Payne will serve a one-game suspension. The one-time Pro Bowler will not be able to suit up in next week's game in Madrid against the Dolphins. It is still unclear if he will appeal the suspension.

Payne (toe) is active for Monday's game against the Chiefs.

EDGE Analysis

Payne was unable to practice all week due to a toe injury. Despite the lack of on-field reps during Week 8 prep, the veteran defensive tackle has been cleared to play in Monday night's game after going through pregame warmups. It's possible that Payne operates on a snap count, which would mean more rotational snaps at defensive tackle would be available for the likes of Jer'Zhan Newton, Sheldon Day and Eddie Goldman. Payne has 26 tackles (11 solo), including 1.0 sacks, five pass defenses and one forced fumble through seven regular-season games.

Payne (toe) is questionable to play against the Chiefs on Monday Night Football.

EDGE Analysis

Payne didn't practice at all this week due to a toe injury. He's been deemed questionable to face Kansas City, and head coach Dan Quinn said Saturday, "He is dealing with a toe that's bothered him. So just kind of working through that to get him into that spot but I'll know more over the next day and a half," per JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington. If Payne isn't able to give it a go Monday, Eddie Goldman could be in line for more snaps at defensive tackle.