The Commanders could be without defensive tackle Johnny Newton for a while.
Head coach Dan Quinn told reporters at a Wednesday morning press conference that Newton is dealing with a pectoral injury. He is not currently with the team because he is in New York to see a specialist about next steps for dealing with it.
Quinn said, via multiple reporters, that there is concern that it could be a long-term issue.
Newton was a 2024 second-round pick and he missed one game in his first two seasons. He had 82 tackles, seven sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in his 33 regular season appearances.
The Commanders announced a slew of roster moves on Tuesday morning.
In addition to the previously reported additions of linebacker Krys Barnes and running back Craig Reynolds, they announced that they have come to agreements with defensive tackle Maurice Hurts and tight end Tre McKitty.
Hurst played in 23 games for the Browns over the last three seasons and had 39 tackles, two sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery. The 2018 Raiders fifth-round pick has also played for the 49ers.
McKitty appeared in 34 games for the Chargers between 2021 and 2023. He had 16 catches for 117 yards in that action.
The Commanders cleared space for the new additions by releasing kicker Jake Moody and punter Matt Haack. They also placed wide receiver River Cracraft and running back Jerome Ford on injured reserve.
The Commanders have agreed to terms with linebacker Krys Barnes, Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reports.
Barnes, 28, spent last season with Carolina, bouncing between the practice squad and the active roster. He played seven games with three starts, seeing action on 143 defensive snaps and 61 on special teams.
He made 23 tackles and half a sack last season.
Barnes has also played for the Packers and Cardinals, appearing in 75 career games. He has posted 303 career tackles, 5.5 sacks, 10 passes defensed, an interception and a forced fumble.
Jake Moody’s bid to become the Commanders’ kicker for the 2026 season is coming to an end.
According to multiple reports, the Commanders will release Moody. That will leave undrafted rookie Drew Stevens as the only kicker on the roster in Washington.
Moody was signed off of the Bears’ practice squad during the 2025 season and he appeared in six games for Washington. He was 10-of-11 on field goals and 10-of-11 on extra points.
Moody played in two games for the Bears before being plucked away by the Commanders and he opened the season with the 49ers, but was released after missing two field goals in Week 1. Moody was a 2023 third-round pick by the 49ers and he was 45-of-59 on field goals over his first two seasons.
With an injury concern at the position, Washington is adding a running back.
Per John Keim of ESPN, the Commanders are signing Craig Reynolds.
Reynolds, 30, has appeared in 60 career games with two starts. He’s rushed for 658 yards with one touchdown and caught 25 passes for 258 yards.
Reynolds was a teammate of Washington offensive coordinator David Blough when Blough was a reserve quarterback for the Lions in 2021 and 2023.
Washington running back Jeremy McNichols is currently dealing with a quad injury.
The Commanders will play the Lions on Saturday afternoon for their second game of the preseason.
