Commanders injury update: Jaylin Lane reportedly has ankle surgery

Commanders receiver and return man Jaylin Lane had surgery to repair a season-ending ankle injury that he suffered during a Week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

He was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 5, after suffering a fracture and dislocation of the ankle. Such an injury normally requires surgery, but The Washington Post‘s Tashan Reed reported on Wednesday that it has taken place.

Reed also reports that Lane should be ready to return before the Commanders begin OTAs next spring. The injury is a significant one and typically requires an extensive rehab and acclimation to football activities.

Lane is a second-year pro who is already considered among the NFL’s top returners, with two punts returned for a touchdown during his rookie season in 2024. He was also improving as a receiver, so this injury was a real setback to that progress.

The Commanders have been using Luke McCaffrey and at times Rachaad White or Antonio Williams to help with the return duties.