Washington Commanders make roster move with big-name rookie

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Commanders rookie Johnny Newton will start training camp on the non-football injury list.

Newton, one of the more hyped and recognizable names in the 2024 NFL draft, fell to the second round, where Washington scooped up what was widely considered a steal at the time. 

However, the Illinois product had foot surgery back in January and then had another surgery to repair a Jones fracture after the draft. 

Washington’s designation for Newton means that he won’t be able to practice, yet he can be activated at any time. 

For now, at least, Newton will rehab while learning from Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne before actually joining them to create a hyped trio on the interior of the Commanders’ defense.

Author(s)

Chris Roling has covered the NFL since 2010 with stints at Bleacher Report, USA TODAY Sports Media Group and others. Raised a Bengals fan in the ’90s, the Andy Dalton era was smooth sailing by comparison. He graduated from the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University and remains in Athens.