Daron Payne will be hearing from the league office in the coming days.
The Washington Commanders defensive tackle was ejected from Sunday's matchup against the Lions for punching Detroit wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The incident occurred after Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs' touchdown early in the second quarter. St. Brown was walking off the field when Payne, who was coming from the opposite direction, punched St. Brown in the helmet.
David Montgomery converted on the two-point try following Payne's penalty, giving Detroit a 22-7 lead.
The 28-year-old DT has yet to be suspended in his NFL career, so the league may factor that in when considering his punishment. However, Lions safety Brian Branch was suspended one game on Oct. 13 for a similar incident, although his was after the final whistle.
Payne's ejection was just the latest episode in what's been a disastrous season of Washington. After making the NFC Championship last year, the Commanders entered Sunday's matchup at 3-6 and without their star QB Jayden Daniels for the foreseeable future due to a dislocated elbow.
Since entering the league in 2018 out of the University of Alabama, Payne's been one of the most disruptive interior defenders. He registered 35 sacks, 78 QB hits and 63 tackles for loss over eights seasons — all with Washington.
He and DT Jonathan Allen — Washington's 2017 first-round selection, also out of Alabama — formed one of the most formidable interior duos. But the Commanders cut Allen in the off-season, and Payne is feeling the effects with just one sack, five QB hits and five TFLs this season.
0:46