Just as quick as he was sidelined with injury, Jer’Zhan Newton is back on the field for the Washington Commanders.
It was only a few days ago that Washington Commanders reporter Zach Selby broke the news that Newton was going to be put on the non-football injury list. He was put on this list due to an injury he suffered with the Illinois football program.
Despite being put on the NFI list, Newton could come off the list any time during the training camp or preseason. I assumed he was likely out for a little bit, as this seemed like a pretty big jump for Washington to take. Maybe Newton would get healthy for the start of the season.
Well, you know what happens when you assume.
It looks like Newton is not only going to be ready for the start of the 2024 NFL season, but he is already back with the Commanders on the field.
On Wednesday, the Washington Commanders' social media account posted that they had activated Newton. He had passed a physical that was required for him to return, and Newton is now on the active roster once again.
The first clips of Jer’Zhan Newton at Washington Commanders practice have been published
Newton had a legendary college career with the Illini. He was an All-American and finished his four-year career with 188 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, 18.0 sacks, 5.0 pass deflections, 3.0 fumble recoveries, and 2.0 forced fumbles.
These big numbers caught many NFL eyes. With the fourth pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Commanders selected Newton.
Getting selected that high in the draft means Washington has big plans for the talented former Illinois defensive lineman. The fact he was activated is exciting. On Wednesday, not too long after the announcement that he was activated, we finally got a glimpse of Newton on the field.
Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post posted on social media a clip of Newton coming off the line of scrimmage with some burst.
I imagine this is the first of many clips of Newton throughout the next few months. He was a star with Illinois, and I expect nothing less with the Commanders.
