The Washington Commanders’ injury problems got worse in London, and this one will cost them for the rest of the season.
Jaylin Lane, the team’s versatile wide receiver and punt returner, is expected to miss the rest of the year after suffering a fracture and dislocation of his ankle in Sunday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Lane’s ankle has been stabilized, and he is undergoing additional tests in London.
The injury happened in the second half while Lane was fielding a kickoff. He appeared to twist the ankle awkwardly underneath his body, then had to be carted off the field.
Lane later posted a message on social media after the injury, writing, “God is greater!” He also thanked everyone who had reached out to him.
The second-year player had not been a major factor in Washington’s passing game, finishing with just two catches for 25 yards. But his value showed up in the return game, where he had become a key special-teams piece. Lane has averaged 13.3 yards per punt return in his career, and before leaving Sunday’s game he had already handled three kickoff returns and two punt returns.
That matters even more now because the Commanders were already shorthanded at receiver. Terry McLaurin missed the game after injuring his hamstring during Friday’s practice.
Washington’s offense never found much rhythm in the 30-13 loss to the Colts, and the defeat dropped the Commanders to 1-3 through four weeks. The schedule doesn’t ease up next, either: the Giants come to Washington in Week 5 with a 3-1 record.
The Commanders will need answers fast, especially with Lane’s special-teams production now gone and McLaurin’s status still an important question for an offense looking for stability.
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