The Washington Commanders face a significant setback in their offensive line room following news that star left tackle Laremy Tunsil sustained a torn triceps during a recent practice session. The injury, which occurred during Saturday’s drills, will require surgical intervention and is expected to sideline the veteran for the majority, if not the entirety, of the 2026 campaign.
The incident took place during one-on-one repetitions as Tunsil attempted to neutralize a bull rush from pass rusher Odafe Oweh. This development comes just months after Washington cemented Tunsil’s status as a franchise cornerstone by signing him to a record-breaking two-year, $60.2 million extension. That deal, which made him the first offensive lineman to eclipse the $30 million-per-year threshold, marked the second time in his career that he reset the market for blindside protectors.
Acquired from the Houston Texans prior to last season, Tunsil appeared in 14 games for Washington in 2025. Despite being 32 years old, he remains at the peak of his powers; PFF graded him as the league’s sixth-best offensive tackle last year, noting he surrendered only two sacks and 15 total pressures. His presence was considered the primary insurance policy for young quarterback Jayden Daniels.
For a Commanders organization looking to find its footing, this injury feels like a recurring nightmare. After a promising 12-5 run and an NFC Championship appearance in 2024, the team’s 2025 campaign was derailed by health issues, resulting in a disappointing 5-12 finish. During that stretch, Daniels missed double-digit games with an elbow injury, Terry McLaurin struggled while playing through a quad issue, and Austin Ekeler’s season ended prematurely with an Achilles tear. Losing an All-Pro caliber tackle before the season even begins puts immense pressure on the coaching staff to find a viable backup plan.
Evaluating Washington’s Internal and External Replacement Candidates
The Commanders must now decide whether to promote from within or look to the remaining free-agent market to fill the void left by Tunsil. Internally, two names stand out as the most likely candidates to take over the left tackle duties.
Brandon Coleman is a natural option given his history with the team. A former third-round selection out of TCU, Coleman originally served as the team’s left tackle during their deep playoff run in 2024. While he was shifted to left guard following the acquisition of Tunsil, he has experience on the edge and filled in at tackle late last season. Before Tunsil’s injury, Coleman had been competing for a starting role on the interior line.
However, many league insiders suggest that veteran Andrew Wylie is the frontrunner for the job. Wylie brings a wealth of experience, including two Super Bowl rings from his tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs. Although he has spent the bulk of his recent career at right tackle and right guard—and lost his starting right tackle spot last year to rookie Josh Conerly Jr.—his versatility makes him a reliable, if not ideal, candidate to slide over to the left side.
If the internal options fail to impress during the remainder of training camp, Washington could pivot to the open market. Taylor Decker is the most prominent name available after his departure from the Detroit Lions. Decker’s familiarity with offensive coordinator David Blough, who was a teammate of his in Detroit, could facilitate a quick transition. Another veteran alternative is Cam Robinson, who brings 114 career starts to the table and has experience playing for multiple organizations, most recently the Cleveland Browns.
The loss of Laremy Tunsil is a massive blow to the Commanders’ offensive identity and the protection of their franchise quarterback. Whether they rely on the Super Bowl experience of Andrew Wylie or take a chance on a veteran free agent like Taylor Decker, the team must act quickly to stabilize the line. Heading into 2026, the success of the Washington offense now hinges on how effectively they can mask the absence of one of the league’s premier left tackles.
