The Washington Commanders drafted Illinois defensive tackle Johnny Newton in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Newton, known for his potential as an interior pass rusher, was initially projected as a first-round pick but slipped due to injury concerns. Unfortunately, Newton will undergo another surgery for a recently-discovered injury.
Commanders rookie Johnny Newton will soon undergo surgery to repair an injury on his left foot. Four months ago he had a procedure done on his right foot to treat a similar injury.
Dan Quinn said he’s glad that Newton will have the procedure now rather than “the end of August or in September where it sets you back.” Unfortunately for Commanders’ fans, he did not provide a timetable for Newton’s return.
For context, Newton had his first surgery in January. He did not participate in drills at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in February, but he did give it a go at a personal pro day on April 16th. If this surgery features a similar recovery time, it’s possible Newton will be healthy by the regular season. However, he’ll have missed valuable preseason reps and will be forced to play catchup if he wants to see the field during his rookie season.
On draft night, Newton said, “I’m fully healed now. I’m fully ready to go. The injury happened midseason, got surgery on it in January, healed up, fully healed, then I did a pro day back in Illinois and ever since then I’ve been ready to go.”
Washington can’t wait to get Newton on the field and see what they’ve got in the young rookie.
Man, do we have high hopes for him,” Quinn said. “He’s such a kick-ass competitor.”
