ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders left tackle Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps during Saturday’s training camp practice and is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2026 season.
The injury occurred during a one-on-one pass rush drill against defensive end Odafe Oweh, according to multiple reports. Tunsil immediately grabbed his upper body and was taken to the medical tent before being escorted inside the team’s facility for further evaluation.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Steve Wyche first reported the injury and its severity Saturday evening, adding that Tunsil will likely require surgery. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Washington was still gathering information on the exact recovery timeline, but an extended absence is expected.
The injury is a major setback for a Commanders team built around protecting third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Tunsil, a five-time Pro Bowler, started 14 games for Washington last season after arriving in a trade with the Houston Texans. He remained one of the league’s most dependable pass protectors and entered training camp as the unquestioned anchor of Washington’s offensive line.
The timing makes the injury even more significant. Washington signed Tunsil to a two-year, $60.2 million extension this offseason worth $30.1 million annually, making him the NFL’s highest-paid offensive tackle by average annual value at the time. The deal included more than $61 million in total guarantees.
Tunsil turned 32 last Sunday.
Injuries have now interrupted both of his seasons in Washington. An oblique injury sidelined him for the final three games of the 2025 season after he started the first 14.
With Tunsil out, the Commanders are expected to evaluate several options at left tackle.
Veteran Andrew Wylie took over at the position for the remainder of Saturday’s practice. Wylie has spent most of his NFL career on the right side, making a full-time move to left tackle a significant adjustment.
Brandon Coleman is another strong candidate. Coleman started 12 games at left tackle as a rookie in 2024 and filled in for Tunsil last season. He entered camp competing for a starting job at left guard but could now shift back outside.
Washington also added offensive line depth earlier Saturday by signing veterans Daniel Brunskill, Nicholas Petit-Frere and Max Scharping. Coach Dan Quinn said those moves were made to increase competition and were not connected to an injury.
The Commanders have not yet announced a corresponding roster move or provided an official update on Tunsil’s status.
Washington enters 2026 trying to rebound from a 5-12 season that followed its run to the NFC Championship Game in 2024. Losing Tunsil for an extended stretch would force significant changes to an offensive line that was already adjusting to a new starting combination entering camp.
The Commanders are scheduled to open the preseason Friday, Aug. 14, against the Miami Dolphins.
Conor Forrest is the Editor-in-Chief and Senior NFL Insider at SportsJourney.com, where he covers the Washington Commanders and the league at large. A Northern Virginia native and George Mason University graduate, his work has appeared in FanSided, NBC Sports Washington, Heavy.com, and The Fourth Estate. He is also the host of the “After Further Review” podcast, reaching a global audience with his analysis and storytelling.
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