ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington Commanders defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn pectoral muscle, a source confirmed. Newton is expected to miss a significant period of time because of the injury.
The 2024 second-round pick played into the middle of the second quarter of Washington's 20-7 preseason-opening win over the Miami Dolphins on Friday. He did not return after being involved in a run stop in which his left arm, extended after taking on a double team, appeared to bend with 8:54 remaining.
Newton was expected to be part of Washington's defensive line rotation, backing up defensive end starters Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw. Newton was used as an end in the Commanders' base package and tackle in their nickel scheme.
In Newton's first two seasons, he played in 33 games with 13 starts -- 11 as a rookie. He has seven career sacks, including five last season.
Washington's defensive line was already missing a key part with Tim Settle recovering from a Lisfranc injury suffered in December. Commanders coach Dan Quinn said they're hopeful Settle will start "ramping up" his practice activity next week.
The Commanders, hit hard by injuries last season, have lost starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil for a significant period because of a torn triceps. He underwent surgery last week, but a team source said they won't know for a while whether there's any chance Tunsil might return this season.
Two other defenders, linebackers Odafe Oweh (strained calf) and K'Lavon Chaisson (knee) have not practiced this week. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered a sprained medical collateral ligament against Miami but is expected back for the Sept. 13 season opener.
NFL reporter Jordan Schultz first reported news about Newton's surgery.