Full Breakdown
Laremy Tunsil’s Torn Triceps Sends Washington Commanders Scrambling for a Left Tackle
8/9/2026, 8:21:14 PM
Core Event
During a one-on-one pass-rush drill against Odafe Oweh in Saturday’s training camp, left tackle Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps. He left the field, was taken to the team medical facility, and an MRI confirmed the injury. “Sources: Five-time Pro Bowl LT Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps in practice today during 1-on-1 pass-rush drills,” — NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo
Background & Context
The 32-year-old Tunsil, a five-time Pro Bowler, was acquired from the Houston Texans before the 2025 season and signed a two-year extension guaranteeing $60 million-plus, the highest annual salary ever for an offensive lineman. The contract made him the Commanders’ highest-paid left tackle and a cornerstone of the line protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels. In 2025 he started 14 games and allowed only two sacks.
Data & Statistics
- Contract extension: $60 million total guarantees.
- Games started at left tackle: 12 in 2024, three at the end of 2025, 20 total regular-season and playoff starts.
- PFF (2025) grade: 64.6 overall, 11 pressures, one QB hit, zero sacks in 390 snaps.
- Recovery timeline for a torn triceps: four to seven months.
Official Statements & Responses
- “Commanders LT Laremy Tunsil will have his injury (appeared to be shoulder/neck) evaluated and tested, source says,” — NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo
- Steve Wyche (NFL Network) said Tunsil will miss a substantial portion of the season.
- Head coach Dan Quinn noted recent signings were meant to increase competition, not replace an injured starter, and expressed confidence the line could adapt.
- GM Adam Peters indicated the team will first look to internal options before considering free-agent signings.
Replacement Options
Brandon Coleman – Started 12 games at left tackle in 2024 and three last season when Tunsil was unavailable. He has logged 20 starts overall and posted solid PFF pass-protection grades (79.1 and 82).
Andrew Wylie – Veteran who filled in at left tackle during practice after the injury. He has only five career snaps at the position and recently signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract with Washington.
Josh Conerly Jr. – 2025 first-round pick who started at right tackle last season; could shift to the blind side but would leave a vacancy at right tackle.
Free-Agent Options – Veteran left tackles Taylor Decker and Cam Robinson have been mentioned, though both would need to learn the new offensive scheme.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Most outlets describe the injury as a torn triceps, but a USA Today report later claimed Tunsil suffered a torn pec. No definitive medical statement has confirmed the exact muscle involved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sources: Five-time Pro Bowl LT Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps in practice today during 1-on-1 pass-rush drills,” — NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo
- “Laremy Tunsil signed a $30M per year contract in the offseason and was tasked with protecting Jayden Daniels’ blindside,” — NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport
- “Laremy Tunsil’s regular season now is in jeopardy,” — ESPN’s Adam Schefter
- “The Commanders have signed OL Andrew Wylie to a two-year contract, source confirms,” — ESPN’s John Keim
- “The wonder is whether Brandon Coleman could serve as Sam Cosmi’s replacement while the right guard recovers from ACL surgery that likely keeps him sidelined at least through training camp, or he challenges left guard Nick Allegretti for the starting role,” — The Athletic’s Ben Standig
- “Commanders LT Laremy Tunsil will have his injury (appeared to be shoulder/neck) evaluated and tested, source says,” — NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo
