Daron Payne will hear from the league office in the coming days.
The Washington Commanders defensive tackle was ejected from Sunday's game against the Lions for throwing Detroit's pass past Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The incident occurred after the Lions recovered a Jameer Gibbs touchdown early in the second quarter. St. Brown was walking off the field when Payne, coming from the opposite side, punched St. Brown in the helmet.
David Montgomery converted the two-point attempt after Payne's penalty, giving Detroit a 22–7 lead.
The 28-year-old DT has not yet had a career suspension from the NFL, so the league may take that into account when considering his punishment. However, on October 13, Lions fullback Brian Branch was suspended for one game for a similar incident, although it occurred after the final whistle.
Payne's dismissal was just the latest episode in a disastrous season for Washington. After winning the NFC Championship last year, the Commanders entered Sunday's game with a 3-6 record and will be without their star QB Jayden Daniels for the foreseeable future due to a dislocated elbow.
Since entering the league in 2018 from the University of Alabama, Payne has been one of the most destructive interior defenders. He has 35 sacks, 78 QB hits and 63 tackles in eight seasons, all with Washington.
He and DT Jonathan Allen — Washington's 2017 first-round pick, also from Alabama — formed one of the most formidable interior duos. But the Commanders cut Allen in the offseason, and Payne is feeling the effects with just one sack, five QB hits and five TFLs this season.
