The star left tackle's season-ending injury occurred during Saturday's practice, just months after signing a record-setting $60.2 million extension.
The Washington Commanders have reportedly been dealt a significant blow with star left tackle Laremy Tunsil suffering a torn triceps. The injury, which occurred during Saturday's practice, will necessitate surgery and is expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of the upcoming 2026 NFL season. This troubling news emerged following Tunsil's attempt to counter a bull rush from free-agent acquisition Odafe Oweh during one-on-one drills, according to reporting by CBS Sports - Headlines.
The incident is particularly impactful as it comes just five months after the Commanders secured Tunsil's services with a groundbreaking two-year, $60.2 million extension. This deal made him the first offensive lineman to earn $30 million per year, resetting the market for left tackles across the league. It marked the second time in his career that Tunsil achieved the highest-paid status at his crucial position.
Tunsil, who recently turned 32, was a key acquisition for Washington last offseason, arriving via trade from the Houston Texans. He went on to start 14 games for the Commanders in 2025. His absence creates an immediate and pressing challenge for the team, especially given his role as a cornerstone in protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Laremy Tunsil's Impact and Record Contract Details
Laremy Tunsil has long been recognized as one of the National Football League's elite left tackles. A former No. 13 overall pick by the Miami Dolphins, he has earned five Pro Bowl selections over his 10-season career. His consistent performance made him an indispensable asset for the Commanders' offensive line, providing critical blind-side protection for their young signal-caller, Jayden Daniels.
In 2025, Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked Tunsil as the sixth-best offensive tackle, highlighting his effectiveness by allowing just 15 total pressures and two sacks throughout the season. The significant investment in his extension underscored his value to the franchise. This recent injury now places the team in a difficult position, challenging their offensive strategy moving forward.
Washington Commanders' Recent Injury Struggles
The torn triceps suffered by Laremy Tunsil arrives at a concerning time, echoing the Washington Commanders' injury-plagued 2025 season. After an impressive 12-5 record and an NFC Championship appearance in 2024, Washington saw its 2025 campaign derailed, finishing with a disappointing 5-12 record due to multiple key players being sidelined.
The offensive unit, in particular, was hit hard. Jayden Daniels missed 10 games due to various issues, including a dislocated elbow. Star wide receiver Terry McLaurin endured the worst season of his career, missing seven games with a quad injury, while running back Austin Ekeler suffered a torn Achilles in Week 2. Tunsil's injury adds another significant name to this recent history of setbacks.
Potential Replacements for Washington's Left Tackle Spot
With Laremy Tunsil out, the Commanders will likely explore both in-house and external options to fill the critical left tackle position. Two primary internal candidates stand out: Brandon Coleman and Andrew Wylie. Coleman, a 2024 third-round pick from TCU, began his NFL career at left tackle for Washington and even played the blind side during their 2024 NFC Championship run. However, he was moved to left guard after Tunsil's acquisition and was benched for Chris Paul in Week 3 of last season, though he did return to left tackle when Tunsil sustained an injury late in 2025. This training camp, Coleman was reportedly battling Paul for the starting left guard role.
Andrew Wylie is another strong contender, with ESPN's Adam Schefter indicating he is "likely" to step into the left tackle spot. Wylie is entering his fourth season with the Commanders after a successful stint with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2017-22, where he started at left guard, right guard, and right tackle, winning two Super Bowls. While Wylie brings extensive experience, he has never started at left tackle. He played right tackle for Washington in 2023 and 2024 before being replaced by No. 29 overall pick Josh Conerly Jr. in 2025, subsequently moving to right guard for 16 games with five starts.
Exploring Free Agent Left Tackle Options for the Commanders
Beyond their internal options, the Washington Commanders might also look to a somewhat thin free-agent market for veteran left tackle talent. Two notable names currently available are Taylor Decker and Cam Robinson. Decker, a one-time Pro Bowler with 140 career starts, requested his release from the Detroit Lions this offseason due to an inability to "find common ground" with the team. His availability is curious, raising questions about his current form and willingness to play for another franchise. It's worth noting that new Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough previously spent several seasons with the Lions as a backup quarterback, suggesting a pre-existing relationship.
Cam Robinson is another experienced option, having begun last season with the Texans before being traded to the Cleveland Browns four weeks in. Robinson started in 12 of 13 games played for the Browns and boasts 114 career starts across four different franchises. He was a former No. 34 overall pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017. While these veterans offer experience, their current status and fit with Washington's scheme would need careful evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Laremy Tunsil's injury?
Laremy Tunsil sustained a torn triceps, an injury that requires surgery. This is a significant muscular injury typically requiring extensive rehabilitation, impacting his ability to play effectively.
How long is Laremy Tunsil expected to be out?
Tunsil is reportedly expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2026 NFL season due to the torn triceps, a recovery timeline that extends through the entire upcoming league year.
Who are the potential replacements for Laremy Tunsil at left tackle?
In-house options include Brandon Coleman and Andrew Wylie, with Wylie considered the "likely" starter by some reports. Veteran free agents like Taylor Decker and Cam Robinson are also available on the open market.
What was Laremy Tunsil's recent contract extension worth?
Just five months prior to his injury, Laremy Tunsil signed a two-year, $60.2 million extension with the Commanders, making him the first offensive lineman in NFL history to earn $30 million per year.