Foot surgery impacted Johnny Newton’s draft position following an outstanding All-American season, and now another surgery will hinder the young defensive tackle’s progress with his NFL team.
Having undergone a procedure on his right foot in January, Newton now faces another surgery, this time on his left foot, confirmed by Commanders coach Dan Quinn. This setback will sideline the No. 36 overall pick indefinitely, with the surgery scheduled for this week.
Newton’s January procedure, prompted by a partial foot fracture, caused a delay in his pre-draft preparations, although he managed to recover in time for a pro day in mid-April. While this suggests a possibility of him being available by Week 1, the nature of his latest foot injury remains undisclosed.
Despite being the third defensive tackle drafted this year, Newton did not participate in Washington’s rookie minicamp. Initially claiming full recovery upon being drafted, a recent evaluation revealed the need for additional rehab.
Newton had played through the partial fracture in his final Illinois season, where he earned accolades as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and secured first-team All-American honors.
Although Newton’s surgery aims to facilitate his timely debut for the Commanders, the prospect of a rookie undergoing multiple foot surgeries shortly before entering the NFL raises concerns about his readiness for the professional stage.
