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.

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 . Payn

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