Commanders' Laremy Tunsil diagnosed with torn triceps

The Washington Commanders faced a significant setback during their Saturday practice when star left tackle Laremy Tunsil was diagnosed with a torn triceps. This injury will require surgery and reportedly sidelined him for most, if not all, of the 2026 season, according to ESPN. Tunsil suffered the injury while attempting to counter a bull rush from free-agent addition Odafe Oweh in one-on-one drills. Just five months prior, the team made Tunsil the first offensive lineman to earn $30 million per year, signing him to a two-year, $60.2 million extension that reset the market for left tackles. This contract marked Tunsil's second time being the highest-paid player at his position.

Acquired via trade from the Houston Texans last offseason, Tunsil started 14 games for Washington in the 2025 season. A video of Tunsil's injury circulated on social media, showing him grabbing his arm while kneeling after the drill, although it did not provide a clear view of the event. Tunsil, who turned 32 years old last Sunday, has consistently been regarded as one of the NFL's top left tackles. The former No. 13 overall pick of the Miami Dolphins boasts five Pro Bowl selections over his ten-year career and is a key component of protection for quarterback Jayden Daniels. PFF ranked Tunsil as the sixth-best offensive tackle in 2025, allowing only 15 total pressures and two sacks.

This injury comes as the Commanders look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season marred by injuries. After a successful 12-5 season in 2024 that included an NFC Championship appearance, the team struggled to a 5-12 record as several key players were sidelined, including Daniels, who missed ten games due to a dislocated elbow. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin endured the worst season of his career, missing seven games with a quad injury, while running back Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles in Week 2.

Looking ahead, the Commanders are expected to explore options within their current roster to fill Tunsil's role. Two notable candidates are Brandon Coleman, a former third-round pick from TCU who started his NFL career at left tackle, and Andrew Wylie, who is entering his fourth season with the Commanders following a tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs. Coleman transitioned to left guard last season when Tunsil joined and has been in competition for the left guard position during training camp. Meanwhile, Wylie has experience as a starting right tackle but has not previously started at left tackle. Together, Coleman and Wylie represent Washington's leading options to replace Tunsil.