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Dan Quinn: None Of The Moments Were Too Big For Rookies Antonio Williams, Sonny Styles

The Washington Commanders are back at practice after a win, and unfortunately that’s only the second time I’ve been able to write that sentence that season and it’s Week 9. In most other seasons that would mean the mock drafts/coaching searches were weekly features instead of playoff scenarios. This is not most other seasons, and an unexpectedly weak NFC East has kept hope alive for the Commanders season. They host the 4-4 Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, and the results of that game will play a big factor in how the rest of the season is managed, including next week’s trade deadline.

Head coach Dan Quinn spoke to the media before the team hit the practice fields in Ashburn, VA. The team placed three players on injured reserve this week, including starting DTs Javon Kinlaw (knee) and Daron Payne (foot) who both had likely season-ending surgeries. Kinlaw was injured in Week 6, but more testing was done with the hope that he could still play later in the season. That changed with surgery this week, and getting shut down for the season.

The Commanders also announced two DT moves before Quinn stepped up to the podium. Ricky Barber was signed from the practice squad, and Daniel Ekuale took his spot there. Washington chose to elevate veteran Byron Cowart for last week’s game against the Eagles, and they still have that option two more times this season.

Jer’Zhan Newton’s 21-day practice window was opened last week, but he wasn’t activated for the Eagles game. Quinn said he’s in great shape, but the team wants to see him stack another week of practice and get his technique ready to go. Quinn praised the play of Shy Tuttle who had to step up, along with Charles Omenihu, due to injuries.

Quinn was asked about third-round rookie WR Antonio Williams who led the team in snaps vs the Eagles with Terry McLaurin now on injured reserve. He said the moments were never too big for Williams, and first-round rookie LB Sonny Styles.

Three more players likely done for the season:

Dan Quinn at the podium.

Says defensive tackles Daron Payne (foot) and Javon Kinlaw (knee) and Jeremy McNichols are all likely out for the rest of the season.
— Martenzie Johnson (@10zJohnson) November 4, 2026

Javon Kinlaw surgery:

#Commanders DT Javon Kinlaw got injured Oct. 19 but didn't have surgery until yesterday. HC Dan Quinn said that delay came from Kinlaw undergoing additional testing.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) November 4, 2026

Ricky Barber signed:

The Washington Commanders signed DT Ricky Barber from the practice squad and signed DT Daniel Ekuale to the practice squad.
— Candi "CWall" Waller (@cwallse) November 4, 2026

Pressure vs the Eagles:

Quinn on the pressures the defense got against PHI last week:

"I was pleased with the four-man rush and their ability to collapse. And if you can do that, and then you add the blitz package, now now you're cooking. "
— Martenzie Johnson (@10zJohnson) November 4, 2026

Fully realized offense:

Quinn said the team has seen the offense fully realized “at times.” Likes the way they have stuck to the run game but wants to see more of it. That will be key on Sunday vs. Rams
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) November 4, 2026

Antonio Williams:

Quinn on rookie WR Antonio Williams: "He came in with a good skillset…None of the moments were ever too big. Not everybody has that. It just never felt bigger than what it was or not prepared for that. We had confidence in him, certainly quarterbacks do."
— Andrew Gillis (@Andrew_Gillis70) November 4, 2026

Josh Conerly’s development:

Quinn on Josh Conerly's development:

"I like the ascension that we're seeing from him"
— Martenzie Johnson (@10zJohnson) November 4, 2026

Jer’Zhan Newton’s return from IR:

Quinn on the return of Johnny Newton from IR:

"The goal would be to stack another week of practice. The arrow is going up for sure, and I'm very optimistic for it. But it's important to stack another good week of him in practice."
— Martenzie Johnson (@10zJohnson) November 4, 2026

With Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw both out for the season, Washington could use DT Johnny Newton back… 21 day window opened last week..
Dan Quinn said he liked what he saw from Newton last week with his quickness. Wants him to "stack" another good week of practice.
"The…
— John Keim (@john_keim) November 4, 2026

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