Washington Commanders Injury Updates: Johnny Newton cleared to practice, Efe Obada placed on PUP list

Big Newton is ready to go!

The Washington Commanders announced a pair of roster moves/injury updates before the first practices of training camp today. Defensive tackle Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton had surgeries on both of his feet for Jones fractures since his college career concluded. Washington placed him on the Non-Football Injury list 5 days ago, but general manager Adam Peters said this about his first 2nd-round pick in Washington yesterday:

First and foremost, Johnny been outstanding in his rehab and we’ve had to hold him back. Yeah. We’ve really had to hold him back. He’s a monster and he wants to go, go, go and we got to make sure to reel him back. That’s the type of guy he is. So, we’ve been really pleased with his progress. We put him on NFI, I think we’re just going to exercise caution. We’re not playing any games anytime soon, but we expect it to be sooner rather than later that we release the reins and we’re going to keep an eye on him throughout. Like I said, it’s July, so we’re going to keep an eye on him, but let him develop during training camp as well. He needs to get the reps just like everybody else. We’re excited where he is at.

Newton was considered a steal when Washington selected him with the 36th overall pick in this year’s draft, and he was the highest player remaining on their board. The first foot surgery knocked that “steal” status down in some people’s minds, and the revelation that his other foot also needed surgery raised more questions. Newton’s talent wasn’t in question, but foot injuries to big men in football can be a cause for concern.

Newton reportedly played through injury the last half of the season with Illinois. He had the initial surgery, and then the second foot injury was discovered during the followup process. He was ahead of schedule on his first surgery, and today’s passed physical puts him ahead of the curve again. He will join a defensive line that features Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. He will start his NFL career by working into the rotation along with John Ridgeway and oft-injured Phidarian Mathis.

The Washington Commanders also announced that DE Efe Obada has been placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. He dealt with a knee injury before last season started, then ended up on injured reserve again after suffering multiple leg fractures in a Week 11 game against the New York Giants. Obada is not ready to practice, but he was re-signed to another 1-year deal to return to the team. Washington has been making major changes from top to bottom, and there will be a lot of new faces for Obada to compete with for a spot when he is medically cleared.