The Commanders are getting Jer’Zhan Newton back, but the roster shuffle comes with another hit at receiver.
Washington is activating the third-year defensive tackle from injured reserve after he missed the first half of the season with a pectoral tear, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. Because Newton was not designated for return on August 30, this activation will count against the team’s eight allowed IR returns.
At the same time, the Commanders announced that Dyami Brown is going on IR. Washington also elevated wide receiver Jaden Bradley from its practice squad.
The team placed Newton on IR on August 31, leaving its options open at the time. If the Commanders had used one of their two August 30 return designations on him, that move would have already counted toward the season total. Washington took the cautious route with Newton and left tackle Laremy Tunsil, but Newton’s return arrives at a critical time for a defense that has lost Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw to season-ending injuries.
Payne suffered a Jones fracture, and Kinlaw had MCL surgery. Neither is expected back this year, leaving a major void in the middle of the defensive line. Newton, who was shifted into a backup role last season after starting 11 games in 2024, will now be asked to take on a larger piece of the load.
Even in a reduced role, Newton produced five sacks last season. His defensive snap share fell from 51% in 2024 to 38% in 2025. Washington also added Tim Settle in free agency this offseason and has veteran Shy Tuttle in the mix, but Newton’s return gives the team another chance to evaluate a former No. 36 overall pick.
Brown’s move to IR is another setback for a receiving group that has already lost Terry McLaurin for the season. Brown signed back with Washington this offseason after a disappointing run on a one-year, $10 million Jaguars deal, returning on a one-year, $1.75 million contract. He has nine catches for 94 yards this season.
The Commanders have been linked to receiver help, but with a 2-5-1 record and underdogs against the Rams in Week 9, it remains to be seen whether they’ll try to add more help or hold steady.
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