Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has been as hot as ever in the playoffs. So far, he has rushed for 324 yards and has stacked a 6.2 yards per carry average in the process. History is within his sights.
The Washington Commanders' defense already ranks as one of the league's most inferior vs. the run. Saquon has to be licking his chops. He has gained 150 yards or more in both games played by Philadelphia vs. Washington this season.
Another big day may be coming though. Per a recent report, Philadelphia's offense doesn't have to worry about one of the Commanders' biggest threats on defense.
Also read: Eagles fans may be witnessing the end of an era
Daron Payne has been ruled out of the Commanders lineup ahead of the NFC Championship Game.
Commanders standout defensive lineman Daron Payne didn't practice all week because of knee and finger injuries. He has been ruled out on Sunday vs. the Eagles.
He had previously been listed as questionable on Friday's injury report. He received a downgrade on Saturday.
DT Daron Payne (knee/finger) has been downgraded to out https://t.co/Z3lgHgBwAY
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 25, 2025
Payne ranked 16th of all defensive tackles in the NFL with 28 run stops in the 2024 regular season, according to Pro Football Focus. He most recently played vs. the Detroit Lions, but he won't be able to gut it out in this one.
Earlier in January, he shared an X-ray showing his finger showing his finger was either broken or dislocated.
#Commanders DT Daron Payne shares a X-ray of his dislocated finger via IG 😬 pic.twitter.com/Tv5uNuD9aQ
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) January 13, 2025
What does this mean for the Eagles?
Some have already given the Eagles an advantage via the rushing game. They'll now enjoy an even greater advantage in Payne's absence.
Rookie defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton will likely fill in. He now has a big role in deciding Washington's fate. Newton was the 36th overall pick in the 2024 draft out of the University of Illinois.
The game plan is simple for Philadelphia. They must run the ball and continue to test the depth of the Washington front. The Commanders are scheduled to have only four defensive linemen available.
Nine-year veteran Carl Davis, a practice squad member, has been elevated to the team's active roster ahead of Sunday's matchup.
We have elevated CB Kevon Seymour and DT Carl Davis from the practice squad pic.twitter.com/bb5YyFrSOD
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 25, 2025
Time will tell how Washington will fare without Payne in their effort to stop Barkley, but Eagles fans should see positive signs heading into the game.