ASHBURN, Va. — Hopes of a Johnny Newton third-year jump took a significant hit on Wednesday as the defensive tackle underwent pectoral surgery, according to a source close to the situation.
Newton, the 36th overall player selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, suffered the injury in Friday’s preseason opener against the Dolphins. No recovery timeline was immediately provided, but this type of injury can be season-ending.
Head coach Dan Quinn said before Wednesday’s practice that Newton was in New York to meet with a specialist. The surgery took place later that day in New York.
Washington bolstered its roster with several high-profile and low-key player acquisitions this offseason, but one potential boost came from within. Beyond quarterback Jayden Daniels, the nine-player 2024 draft class underwhelmed during the past two seasons. That includes Newton, who was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year during his final season at Illinois.
Newton’s pro career got off on the wrong foot. Well, feet, actually. He underwent surgery for a Jones fracture in both feet, including one after the draft. The rehab limited his on-field practice time before the regular season, but he played 16 games, including 11 starts, as a replacement for the injured Jonathan Allen.
The 295-pound tackle, known for his quickness, had only two sacks, six tackles for loss and 44 tackles as a rookie. Talk of a breakout second season existed but never materialized. Newton was planted in a backup role, making only two starts, partly due to size limitations as an early-down lineman. He finished with five sacks, but three came in a Week 17 loss to Dallas.
Newton aimed for more in his third season, even though he was still pegged for a backup role.
“Camp is going great,” Newton told Last Man Standig following last week’s joint practice against the Dolphins. “I feel like this is my best offseason. I had great OTAs. I felt like camp was phenomenal for me. Now I’m just ready to play.”
Now he may enter 2027, the final year of his rookie contract, having potentially not played in 2026.
Losing Newton is the latest depth subtraction since the start of camp. D.J. Davidson was expected to compete for a role before retiring.
Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw, the primary DT/3-4 ends, have been disruptive presences at the line of scrimmage in practice. Projected nose tackle Tim Settle missed the past week with a calf strain. Quinn suggested Settle could be close to returning to practice.
Shy Tuttle has capably filled in at nose tackle. Second-year DT Ricky Barber, a roster candidate, and UDFA Jeffrey M’ba will receive additional work. Washington recently signed veteran free agents Byron Cowart and Maurice Hurst.
When we talk about the success or failure of draft picks, we focus on the GM, but we forget that AP was in his first year as GM in '24. I think he was using the scouts that RR had accumulated for the '24 draft. Can you give us some idea of the changes that have occurred since '24 to the scouting dept and make an assessment of how they have operated. Has there been a change in emphasis. I know you have talked about the use of RAS and athleticism in draft and FA selections.
Thanks for the quick report Ben. A couple years back, Jon Allen had surgery to repair his torn left pec muscle in week 6 and made it back to compete two and a half months later, in late December; is that best case scenario for Newton? I imagine every pec recovery timetable is unique but could Newton be available early November forward?