Updated October 8, 1:58 a.m. EDT: The Washington Commanders placed receiver and returner Jaylin Lane on injured reserve on Tuesday, October 6. Coach Dan Quinn had confirmed a day earlier that Lane fractured and dislocated his ankle and would miss the rest of the season after Sunday’s 30–13 loss to Indianapolis in London.
The loss lands hardest on special teams. Lane, a second-year player, has been Washington’s primary returner on both kickoffs and punts, and the Commanders now have to rebuild that unit while sitting at 1–3.
What is known
Quinn confirmed the fracture, dislocation and season-ending outlook in his October 5 injury update. The following day’s transaction established Lane’s injured-reserve status. Those are separate confirmations: the roster move alone does not establish the diagnosis or length of recovery.
Lane was hurt during the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he returned three kickoffs for 80 yards and two punts for 17 yards. Through four games this season he has two catches for 25 yards, seven punt returns for 84 yards and 12 kickoff returns for 295 yards.
A rough day in London
The Commanders led 6–0 after two Drew Stevens field goals in the first quarter, but Jonathan Taylor ran for two touchdowns and the Colts scored the final 13 points. Washington’s only touchdown was a 47-yard throw from Athan Kaliakmanis to Treylon Burks early in the third quarter. Quarterback Marcus Mariota also left the game with a knee injury, adding to Washington’s list of injured players.
Lane’s receiving role was modest, so the immediate question is who handles returns. Washington can use an internal option, move a running back or receiver into the job, or sign a returner off the street before Sunday. Any roster move will appear on our transactions page.
What comes next
Washington hosts the New York Giants on Sunday, October 11, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. The full box score from London is in the Game Center, and the latest designations are on our injury report.
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