Commanders pivot to Coleman as Tunsil injury reshapes 2026 offensive line
With Laremy Tunsil sidelined for the majority of the 2026 NFL season, Washington identifies Brandon Coleman as the primary internal replacement, rejecting moves to shift Josh Conerly Jr. to the left side.
The Washington Commanders face a significant personnel disruption after left tackle Laremy Tunsil suffered a pec tear during practice, an injury expected to rule him out for the majority or all of the 2026 NFL season. The diagnosis follows initial reports that Tunsil required further testing after being helped off the field on Saturday, confirming a setback for the franchise’s highest-paid offensive lineman.
Tunsil, who was traded from the Houston Texans in March 2025, subsequently signed a two-year extension averaging over $30 million per season, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history. His absence leaves a void at a premium position, prompting the team to look inward for a solution rather than pursuing external market options.
Brandon Coleman has emerged as the primary internal candidate to fill the vacancy. A third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Coleman previously started 12 games at left tackle as a rookie and filled in for Tunsil during the final three games of the 2025 season. During that stint, Coleman recorded strong pass protection grades of 79.1 and 82 from Pro Football Focus in his final two starts, demonstrating the athleticism required for the role.
The Commanders have rejected proposals to move Josh Conerly Jr to left tackle, preferring to retain him at right tackle where he had been settling in during the previous season. While other internal options such as veteran Trent Scott and Andrew Wylie remain on the roster, Wylie is viewed as better suited for right tackle or guard positions, leaving Coleman as the most logical fit for the left side.
Coleman’s transition to left tackle aligns with the strategic shift under new offensive coordinator David Blough, who will implement a zone blocking scheme in 2026. This system is considered advantageous for Coleman’s skill set, potentially mitigating concerns about his experience level. The team had initially expected Coleman to compete for a left guard role alongside Chris Paul, but the injury to Tunsil has likely concluded that competition.
The decision to keep Conerly at right tackle preserves the stability of the opposite side of the line, where Conerly had a strong offseason. This approach allows Washington to maintain continuity while relying on Coleman’s proven performance in pass protection and solid run blocking to anchor the offensive line in Tunsil’s absence.
