The Washington Commanders' defense has struggled through the first 10 games of the season, leading some to question whether they could have contended at all even with a healthy Jayden Daniels, but the unit hit a new low on Sunday.
The Commanders were carved up by the Detroit Lions to the tune of 44 points and 546 yards, with Jahmyr Gibbs alone accounting for 172 yards and Jared Goff throwing for three touchdowns.
Before the first half even ended, Washington lost one of its key defenders — not to injury, but to ejection. DT Daron Payne was disqualified on an unsportsmanlike conduct call, leaving the Commanders even more shorthanded than expected in what was always going to be an uphill battle.
On Monday morning, Payne was suspended one game for his actions against the Lions.
Here's what you need to know about Payne's suspension and when he will return.
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Why was Daron Payne suspended?
The NFL announced Monday that Payne was suspended one game for punching Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown during Sunday's game.
The league said in a statement that rules prohibit players from "striking, swinging at, or clubbing the head or neck of an opponent." Payne was ejected after punching St. Brown's helmet despite the Lions receiver not engaging in any violence leading up to the incident.
Here is the NFL statement: https://t.co/Ag4pCJPPpg pic.twitter.com/hfZjM3Ab1y
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 10, 2025
Payne has the right to appeal the ban, but he will miss the Commanders' international matchup with the Miami Dolphins in Madrid if he declines or if the suspension is upheld.
MORE: Updated AFC, NFC playoff pictures after Week 10 upsets
Daron Payne ejection
Payne was ejected after punching St. Brown in the first half of Sunday's game. Here is the video of the incident:
Here is the play that led to the NFL suspending Commanders DT Daron Payne one game for punching Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. Pic.twitter.com/Qftr78xO8G
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 10, 2025
It isn't clear what, if anything, was said by St. Brown as he walked near Payne, but the Lions star did not appear to try to touch Payne in any way before the punch was thrown.
MORE: Full details of Daron Payne's ejection vs. Lions
When will Daron Payne return?
If Payne's suspension stands, he would miss the Commanders' Madrid game against the Dolphins in Week 11 and not return until Week 13 because Washington's bye comes in Week 12.
Payne is set to return for the Commanders' "Sunday Night Football" matchup with the Denver Broncos on Nov. 30, though that game could still be flexed out of a prime-time slot as Washington's playoff hopes turn to dust.