Washington Commanders left tackle Laremy Tunsil has torn his triceps and will need surgery, a significant setback ahead of the new NFL season.
Tunsil signed a two-year, $60.2 million extension with the Commanders in March, becoming the first offensive lineman to earn over $30 million per season. He was injured during a one-on-one pass rushing drill in training camp on Saturday.
The full timeline for his recovery is not yet known. Head coach Dan Quinn said he hopes the 32-year-old will be able to return before the end of the season.
Quinn said it is always tough to talk about a player missing time, especially a great one like Tunsil, calling him an unbelievable player and an absolutely fantastic teammate. He added that Tunsil will be missed and that the team cannot wait to get him back, noting that his on-field play speaks for itself while his relationships with teammates off the field are also significant for the team.
The injury is a major concern for the Commanders offense and third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is himself coming back from an injury-plagued second season.
A five-time Pro Bowler, Tunsil has established himself as one of the league's top pass protectors since being drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2016. He joined Washington via a trade from the Houston Texans last offseason.
Coleman steps into starting role
Quinn said the franchise plans to look within for Tunsil's replacement, with backup Brandon Coleman set to move into the starting left tackle role.
Coleman started 12 games as a rookie in 2024 and filled in for an injured Tunsil in three games last year. The former TCU standout had been battling Chris Paul for the starting left guard spot entering training camp but is now in line for another opportunity.
Quinn said Coleman has played a lot of winning football at left tackle for the team and that they know he is ready for it, adding that Coleman has put in an excellent offseason and that the team is very confident in him.
The Commanders will get their first look at Coleman at left tackle against the Miami Dolphins on Friday in the first of three preseason games. Their regular season opens on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 13.
