Commanders DT Jonathan Allen tore his left pectoral muscle in Sunday's loss to the Ravens. ESPN's John Keim reports that a Monday MRI confirmed the fears and that Allen will have season-ending surgery.
Second-round rookie Jer'Zhan (Johnny) Newton tied Allen for second-most snaps played among Washington DTs for the game (54% of team total). He figures to join Daron Payne in the starting lineup the rest of the way.
Allen sits outside the top 50 fantasy D-linemen, depending on your scoring format, with just 2 sacks through six games.
Newton brings some interior pass-rushing ability. He tallied 13 sacks and 23 tackles for loss over his final two seasons at Illinois. He earned first-team All-American status and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award as a senior.
Keep an eye on Newton for DT-required leagues. He gets upside matchups with the Panthers and Bears at home the next two weeks.
Allen will be 30 when next season begins and in the final year of his contract.
That year, however, includes a $23 million cap hit vs. just $6 million in dead cap if Washington were to cut him, according to Spotrac. That could set up a decision for the Commanders this offseason -- or a potential re-negotiation.
Allen has been a solid fantasy contributor to this point but also not strong enough -- generally -- to make him a must-hold in dynasty.
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