Commanders left tackle Laremy Tunsil reportedly tore a triceps in practice Saturday, an injury that could sideline the Pro Bowler for months and casts plenty of uncertainty over Washington’s offense.
During a one-on-one pass-blocking drill against linebacker Odafe Oweh, Tunsil engaged with Oweh for a few seconds before bending over in pain. He walked with team staff to the medical tent before heading indoors.
Tunsil’s injury and possible need for surgery, first reported by NFL Network, has not yet been confirmed by Washington. The team has an off day Sunday and will return to practice Monday. Coach Dan Quinn is scheduled to address the media at 8 a.m.
A 2015 study found that players who sustained torn triceps missed an average of 5 ½ months, which would have Tunsil missing all but the final few games of the regular season.
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Regardless of timing, the absence of Tunsil, 32, would be a major blow to the Commanders’ offensive line. Long considered one of the best left tackles in the league, Tunsil allowed just two sacks and two hits on the quarterback on 491 pass-blocking snaps last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
The line already entered camp with question marks. Right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. is coming off a rough rookie season (eight sacks and 43 pressures allowed) and there is an active competition between Chris Paul and Brandon Coleman at left guard. Center Nick Allegretti, a converted guard, hasn’t practiced since July 29 while nursing a calf strain. Blocking tight end John Bates has been out since July 30 with a strained hamstring.
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Now Washington is tasked with replacing the blind-side protector of quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has been sacked the 13th-most times (65) since 2024 despite playing in only four complete games last season due to injury.
The Commanders have both in-house and outside options to replace Tunsil.
Veteran Andrew Wylie filled in at left tackle in practice Tuesday when Tunsil had an off day and has started at right tackle for both the Commanders and the Chiefs in the past. Conerly played left tackle at Oregon from 2022 to 2024, allowing just two sacks his final two seasons. But moving the former All-American across the line would bring its own complications.
Coleman started 12 games at left tackle during Washington’s run to the NFC championship in 2024 and filled in for Tunsil last season, but he has since been converted to left guard and has even taken a few reps at center during camp. There’s also reserve tackle Trent Scott and new addition Nicholas Petit-Frere, who was signed Saturday.
As far as free agents, the list of available left tackles is headlined by Taylor Decker, who spent time with Commanders coordinator David Blough in Detroit. Former Jaguar Cam Robinson is also available, as is Cornelius Lucas, who played both tackle positions for Washington from 2020 to 2024.
Coleman may have the inside track to replacing Tunsil, because of both his experience at the position and the team’s longtime investment in him.
“We certainly think he has what it takes to be a tackle in this league,” general manager Adam Peters told reporters after drafting Coleman in 2024. “And he’s got the feet; he’s got the speed; he’s got the strength. And he’s got the intelligence, and he’s got the right mind-set.”
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