Sunday morning, the NFL kicked off its Sunday International Games in London with the Washington Commanders and the Indianapolis Colts. Former Virginia Tech standout Jaylin Lane was back doing what he does best for Washington: returning kicks.
However, early in the third quarter, after the Colts scored a touchdown off a Commanders turnover, Lane returned the ensuing kickoff and suffered a lower-body injury and needed to be carted off the field.
Former Virginia Tech standout Jaylin Lane injured against Colts
It is rare nowadays for NFL kickoffs to be returned, but Lane has never been one to shy away from returning kicks. On Sunday, he suffered a gruesome injury, and according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that Lane "suffered a fracture and dislocation of his ankle, tests confirmed, and he is likely done for the season.''
Tashan Reed of the Washington Post reported, "I can confirm Commanders WR Jaylin Lane suffered a fractured and dislocated ankle against the Colts. He'll need surgery and his season will almost certainly be over.''
That is tough news for Lane, who was selected with the 128th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, he had a good rookie 2025 campaign returning kicks and was off to a good start this season, but now will likely be out and on the road to recovery.
Before coming to Virginia Tech, Lane played at Middle Tennessee State, but with the Hokies, he was a key receiver for former quarterback Kyron Drones, and in 2024, he took over punt-returning duties after Tucker Holloway suffered an injury before the season started.
The Commanders went on to lose to the Colts on Sunday and are now 1-3 on the season and face a rather big division game at home this upcoming weekend on Sunday afternoon when they face the 3-1 New York Giants, who are in Year 1 of the John Harbaugh era.
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