John KeimNov 9, 2025, 05:58 PM ET
- John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on ‘The John Keim Report’, which airs on ESPN Richmond radio.
LANDOVER, Md. — Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne was ejected in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Lions after punching Detroit receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
After Detroit scored its third touchdown of the first half, Payne slugged St. Brown with his right hand after a verbal exchange. He was given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and an automatic ejection.
It marked the first time Payne, in his eighth season, has been ejected from a game.
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Detroit succeeded on the 2-point conversion to take a 22-3 lead.
Washington’s defense has struggled all season — in the past four weeks, the Commanders ranked 31st in the NFL in both yards and points allowed — but its main strength was the interior of the defensive line led by Payne and Javon Kinlaw. Payne’s five tackles for a loss are third on the team.
Kinlaw earned an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty one play after Payne’s ejection following the conversion.