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Redskins first-round pick, defensive tackle Daron Payne will miss 2-3 weeks with an ankle injury after being stepped on during Friday’s practice, head coach Jay Gruden said. Payne will wear a walking boot for a week.
Payne was selected by the Redskins 13th overall in this year’s NFL Draft out of Alabama. Payne has drawn rave reviews early in camp, and there are expectations of him being a key piece to the Redskins’ defensive line that also featured last year’s first-round pick Jonathan Allen and Matt Ioannidis. However, Gruden downplayed the significance of the miss time for Payne.
“He’s big, strong, physical,” Gruden said, via ESPN. “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 in great shape.”
Washington revamped its depth along the defensive line this off-season to try improve it’s dreadful output a year ago in which the defensive allowed 4.5 yards per carry which was 29th among 32 teams in the NFL.
Meanwhile, in other Redskins training camp notes:
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Cornerback Orlando Scandrick missed practice on Saturday with back spasms. Quinton Dunbar filled in for Scandrick at outside cornerback and is listed as day-to-day while Fabian Moreau played in the slot.
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Outside linebacker Ryan Anderson will be held out of practices for the next few days with back spasms.
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Rob Kelley returned to practice on Saturday after he left Friday’s practice due to heat exhaustion.
