Nov 9, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn stands on the field following a loss to the Detroit Lions at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne has been suspended for one game without pay for an unsportsmanlike penalty against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. During the second quarter, Payne would strike Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and would immediately be disqualified for the remainder of the game, with further repercussions to come.

A clear violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship,” including “throwing a punch, or a forearm,” and Rule 12, Section 2, Article 14(d), which prohibits “striking, swinging at, or clubbing the head or neck of an opponent with the wrist(s), arm(s), elbow(s), or hand(s).”

Payne will not be able to return to the Commanders' active roster until Monday, November 17th. One day after the Commanders play the Miami Dolphins in Madrid as part of the NFL International Series. Payne may appeal the suspension, but the decision has not been made yet.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Washington Commanders DL suspended for one game for unsportsmanlike penalty against Lions

Reporting by Josh Petry, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

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