Week 15: Jaylin Lane, Washington Commanders

photo courtesy washington commanders

Washington Commanders punt returner Jaylin Lane, a rookie who played at Virginia Tech, has been named the DC Touchdown Club Pro Football Player of the Week after his second punt return for a touchdown this season sparked the Commanders to a 29-21 win over the New York Giants, ending their eight-game losing streak.

Lane’s 63-yard punt return shifted the momentum late in the first half and helped Washington regain control of the game. He became the fifth player in franchise history to return multiple punts for a touchdown in one season, the first to accomplish the feat since Brian Mitchell in 1994.

“J-Lane, big play bro!” Coach Dan Quinn shouted as tossed a commemorative game ball to Lane in the postgame locker room.

Lane was selected by the Commanders in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He ranks fourth on the team with 16 catches for 225 yards, but his biggest impact has been on special teams, averaging 14.3 yards per punt return.

“My goals for this year was to dominate my role – receiver, returner, whatever role I’m given – and help us win games,” Lane said.

Lane was still clutching the game ball during a postgame news conference and explaining that Quinn had presented the ball to him.

“It was pretty cool,” Lane said. “I’m probably going to give it to my pops.”