Redskins rookie DT Daron Payne to miss 2-3 weeks with ankle injury

Bill Marx

Redskins rookie DT Daron Payne to miss 2-3 weeks with ankle injury image

Redskins rookie defensive tackle Daron Payne sustained a left ankle injury in practice Friday and will be out 2-3 weeks, Washington coach Jay Gruden said, per ESPN.

Payne will be in a walking boot for the next week after a teammate stepped on his ankle during practice, Gruden said.

Payne was the 13th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Another rookie, fifth-round pick Tim Settle, will step in at nose tackle in Payne’s absence along with Phil Taylor, 30, who hasn't taken an NFL snap since 2014 with the Browns.

DAZN streams every NFL game, RedZone and NFL Network in Canada. SIGN UP here for a FREE 30-day trial

Gruden did not appear concerned that Payne would fall behind while sidelined.

“He’s in great shape,” Gruden said Saturday, per The Washington Post. “He’s big, strong, physical. He’ll probably get stronger in his two weeks working out. He’s in great shape, so it’s not a big deal. He’s already very smart, knows the defense. So, he’s good shape.”

Bill Marx