https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/47608/javon-kinlaw

The Commanders injured list has grown longer, and at the worst possible time. Defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw has had season-ending surgery to repair his MCL. ESPN reporter Adam Schefter broke that news on Wednesday morning. Injury update: Commanders DL Javon Kinlaw underwent season-ending surgery Tuesday on his MCL.Now Commanders defensive linemen Kinlaw and Daron Payne both have suffered season-ending injuries in recent weeks. pic.twitter.com/hHqlyexYdx— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 4, 2026This comes on the heels of Daron Payne being lost for the year with a fracture in his foot, leaving the Commanders defensive line in a tough spot. Head coach Dan Quinn had talked about Kinlaw in softer tones and alluded to the fact he may be out for a while, but not in a way that suggested he was done for the year. The fact that he is out for the foreseeable future is a real blow, especially after his quality start to the season. He has one year left on his contract, which is worth $16.9 million in 2027. Cutting him results in a $9.9 million dead cap hit. That puts Charles Omenihu in the spotlight, with Washington needing him to step up and fill a massive void. He was up to that task in a win over the Eagles, where he had four tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery.