What's happened
Laremy Tunsil has sustained a torn triceps in practice and is undergoing surgery, forcing the Commanders to pivot at left tackle. Brandon Coleman is set to fill in, with the team evaluating options ahead of the season opener. The injury ends Tunsil’s run as Washington’s top blind-side protector.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- Tunsil’s injury is a logistics and leadership hit for Washington, not just a depth issue.
- Coleman’s alignment to left tackle opens space for Paul at left guard and Conerly Jr. at right tackle; Wylie remains a versatile swing.
- The decision-making in the coming days will determine immediate lineup stability and protection for Daniels.
- The situation could accelerate in-season roster tinkering or a mid-camp trade if protection becomes untenable.
Forecast: If Washington can stabilize the left edge quickly, Daniels can avoid a repeat of last season’s injuries and the offense can maintain its pace. If not, expect added pressure on the coaching staff and potential early-season shifts.
How we got here
Tunsil joined the Commanders in 2025 and signed a lucrative two-year extension. Washington invested heavily to shore up the line after a disappointing 2025 season, hoping Tunsil would anchor the unit. Coleman has experience at left tackle and trained with Tunsil this summer, reshaping his approach to camp and season.
Our analysis
AP News, New York Times Business, New York Post, ESPN reports and team quotes outline the immediate impact and possible line shifts following Tunsil’s injury.
Go deeper
- How will Washington restructure the offensive line for Week 1?
- What is the recovery timeline for Tunsil and how might it affect the season?
More on these topics
-
Washington Commanders - Football team
The Washington Football Team, previously known as the Washington Redskins, is a professional American football team based in the Washington metropolitan area. The team competes in the National Football League as a member of the NFC East division.
-
Laremy Tunsil - American football offensive tackle
Laremy Alexander Tunsil is an American football offensive tackle for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Mississippi.
-
Miami Dolphins - American football team
The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Dolphins compete in the National Football League as a member of the league's American Football Conference East division.
-
Pro Football Focus
Pro Football Focus is a website that focuses on thorough analysis of the National Football League and NCAA Division-I football in the United States.
-
Washington, D.C. - Capital of the United States of America
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington or D.C., is the capital of the United States.
-
Jayden Daniels - American football quarterback
Jayden Daniels is an American football quarterback for the Arizona State University Sun Devils.
-
Alabama - US State
Alabama is a state in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west.
-
Andrew Wylie - Wikimedia disambiguation page
Andrew Wylie may refer to: Andrew Wylie (footballer), manager of Reading Football Club, England between 1926 and 1931 Andrew Wylie (college president) (1789–1851), first president of Indiana University Andrew Wylie (judge) (1814–1905), US federal jud
-
Odafe Oweh - American football player
Odafe Jayson Oweh is an American football outside linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He played college football at Penn State and was drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.