Commanders' Tunsil Sidelined with Torn Triceps, Face Roster Uncertainty Ahead of 2026 Season

Washington Commanders left tackle Laremy Tunsil has been diagnosed with a torn triceps and is expected to miss the majority of the 2026 NFL season. The injury occurred during one-on-one pass rush drills at Saturday’s practice, specifically while engaging with free-agent addition Odafe Oweh. Tunsil will require surgery for the injury, a development that significantly disrupts the team’s offensive line plans just months after securing his long-term commitment.

The diagnosis comes shortly after Tunsil turned 32 years old and represents a substantial setback for a player recently elevated to historic contract status. In the 2025 offseason, Washington signed Tunsil to a two-year, $60.2 million extension, averaging $30 million per year. This deal made him the first offensive lineman to receive such an average annual value, marking the second time in his career he became the highest-paid player at his position.

Tunsil, a five-time Pro Bowler, was acquired from the Houston Texans via trade last offseason and started 14 games for Washington in 2025. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the sixth-best offensive tackle that season, noting he allowed only 15 pressures and two sacks. He is viewed as the cornerstone of quarterback Jayden Daniels’ protection, a role critical to the team’s stability.

The Commanders are expected to look in-house for replacement duties, with Brandon Coleman and Andrew Wylie identified as the primary options. Coleman, a former third-round pick, previously started at left tackle for Washington before moving to left guard last year. Wylie, who won two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs, has never started at left tackle in his career but played right tackle and right guard for Washington in recent years. ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicated Wylie is likely to assume the starting role.

External free agents such as Taylor Decker and Cam Robinson are available on the open market, though their availability and condition are subject to question. Decker requested his release from the Detroit Lions this offseason, while Robinson began the previous season with the Texans before a trade to the Cleveland Browns. The situation presents a complex personnel challenge for new offensive coordinator David Blough, who previously spent several seasons with the Detroit Lions where Decker was formerly signed.

This injury adds to a history of roster instability for Washington, whose 2025 season was significantly impacted by injuries to key players including Daniels, wide receiver Terry McLaurin, and running back Austin Ekeler. The team’s performance dropped from a 12-5 record and NFC Championship appearance in 2024 to 5-12 in 2025 when several starters were sidelined. The loss of Tunsil, who recently signed a two-year, $60.2 million contract extension, will require surgery and force the franchise to reassess its offensive line strategy for the upcoming season.