Laremy Tunsil Suffers Torn Triceps; Commanders Tackle Faces 4-7 Month Recovery

Commanders left tackle Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps during a Saturday pass rush drill and likely requires surgery.

Washington Commanders left tackle Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps during a Saturday practice session in Ashburn, Virginia. The five-time Pro Bowler was injured during a one-on-one pass rush drill against linebacker Odafe Oweh, who drove into Tunsil's upper body after an inside rush. Tunsil immediately clutched his right side and was evaluated in the medical tent before entering the team facility for further testing. Sources told NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Steve Wyche that the 32-year-old likely requires surgery, a procedure that typically carries a recovery timeline of four to seven months. This injury will sideline the veteran for at least a significant portion of the 2026 regular season.

Contract Details and Trade History

Washington acquired Tunsil during the 2025 offseason by trading four draft picks to the Houston Texans, including two selections in 2025 and two in 2026. In exchange, the Commanders received Tunsil and a fourth-round pick. Following the trade, the organization signed him to a two-year extension worth $61.5 million in total guarantees. This agreement made him the first offensive lineman in NFL history to earn a contract averaging $30 million per season. Tunsil started 14 games for Washington last year and entered the 2026 campaign as the only Commander ranked in the top 10 at his position according to an ESPN survey of league coaches and executives.

Roster Impact and Depth Chart

The loss of Tunsil disrupts an offense that recently added receiver Stefon Diggs to a unit coming off a 5-12 season. Brandon Coleman, who started 12 games at left tackle as a rookie in 2024 and three games in 2025 during Tunsil's previous absences, is a primary candidate to fill the vacancy. Coleman had been competing with Chris Paul for the starting left guard position prior to the injury. Veteran tackle Andrew Wylie is also on the roster, though he has only recorded five career snaps at left tackle since entering the NFL in 2017. Wylie has spent the majority of his career on the right side but has filled in for Tunsil during recent practices.

Development and Team Trajectory

Beyond his on-field performance, Tunsil served as a mentor to right tackle Josh Conerly, the team's first-round selection from the previous year. During the offseason, Conerly and Coleman trained with Tunsil at Auburn to prepare for the 2026 schedule. The Commanders are currently attempting to return to the form of their 2024 season, a year in which the franchise reached the NFC Championship Game. The injury occurred during a training camp that players and coaches had characterized as having high energy and positive vibes following the struggles of the previous 5-12 campaign. Tunsil's departure from the lineup creates a significant void on the left side of an offensive line that must now protect the pocket without its highest-paid veteran.