David Mayo Injury History & Analysis

The Commanders are placing LB Jamin Davis on IR because of a shoulder injury that will require surgery. Davis still has one year left on his rookie contract, and Washington will have to decide this spring on his fifth-year option for 2025. Davis seems like a weak bet for that option, but we'd also bet that decision will come after the team hires a new coach (and maybe GM). Davis has disappointed vs. his first-round draft status but has at least seen his playing time increase in his third season. He's an unspectacular dynasty asset. David Mayo should operate as the No. 2 LB alongside Cody Barton the rest of this season.

The Commanders have activated LB Cody Barton (ankle) from IR and left him off the final injury report ahead of today's game against the Cowboys. That means Barton should be ready to reassume his lead position at LB. We've moved him up the Week 12 LB rankings and knocked LB David Mayo out.

Commanders LB Cody Barton left in the first quarter of Sunday's loss to the Giants with a left ankle injury and did not return. The Athletic's Ben Standig reports that Barton was in a walking boot after the game. We'll watch for more on his status, but that all doesn't seem to bode well for Barton's chances of being ready for a Week 8 home date with the Eagles. If Barton misses further time, Jamin Davis looks like the full-time LB, with David Mayo taking on Davis' usual role. That could mean anywhere from 65-90% of defensive snaps, based on Davis' playing time to date and how much Mayo played Sunday.

The Commanders have ruled LB Cole Holcomb (foot) out for Sunday's game against the Colts. We're assuming LB Jamin Davis will lead the corps in playing time in Holcomb's absence and have moved him up the Week 8 IDP rankings. Veteran reserve David Mayo should step into Holcomb's spot.

Commanders LB Jamin Davis played just 56% of the defensive snaps for his 16 games as a rookie and saw no meaningful growth in his role as the season went on. Heading into Year 2, it sounds like that might not change. Cole Holcomb remains the lead LB and only 3-down player in the corps, according to ESPN's John Keim. Davis, meanwhile, is seeing inconsistent usage. That has included losing some base-package snaps to David Mayo, who Keim says the team prefers in run defense. There's obviously still time for Davis to earn more playing time before the regular season arrives. And it's just his 2nd season. But the 2021 first-round pick doesn't look like a great bet for IDP redraft leagues this year. He's still talented enough to keep stashed on dynasty rosters, however.