Commanders place rookie DT Johnny Newton on NFI list to open training camp

The Washington Commanders’ 2024 rookie class reported to Ashburn for training camp on Thursday. The entire team is due in town next week for the official start of camp.

On Friday, the Commanders made a roster move that everyone expected. Second-round pick, defensive tackle Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton was placed on the NFI (non-football injury list).

A proper explanation for the NFI list is that it’s a roster designation for players unable to practice due to an injury not related to football or an injury that did not happen in an NFL game or practice.

For Newton, it’s the latter. The 6-foot-2, 304-pound Newton suffered a partial Jones fracture in his right foot during his final season at Illinois. Despite the injury, Newton was still the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. As he was recovering from the injury, doctors realized he had a similar condition with his left foot and underwent surgery this spring.

It’s unknown exactly when the second foot injury was diagnosed. It could explain Newton’s fall from out of the first round, as the Commanders were elated to select him at 36th overall.

According to Ben Standig of The Athletic, the Commanders can activate Newton at any time, and there is currently no timetable for his return.