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Commanders Step Up Practice After Center Woes vs Lions

8/24/2026

Summary

Quinn Demands Work

Head coach Dan Quinn said the Commanders need more work after a 17-13 preseason loss to Detroit.
The offense managed three one-yard plays while quarterback Jayden Daniels completed no passes.
Quinn identified the center position as a problem because Nick Allegretti remains out.
Washington replaced Monday’s walkthrough with a full practice to address the center issue before a Baltimore scrimmage.

Summary

Tunsil Injured

Laremy Tunsil tore his triceps in camp, ending his season despite a recent extension.
Sam Cosmi enters camp as the Commanders’ offensive lineman, making his health crucial.
Nick Allegretti left practice with calf tightness, cleared imaging, and misses Saturday’s preseason game.
Julian Good-Jones and rookie Matt Gulbin compete with Allegretti for the starting center job.
Joshua Josephs earned reps, played SAM linebacker, and is slated for a larger role.

History

Historical Context

In 1999, the Dallas Cowboys' preseason collapse after losing starting center Mark Stepnoski to injury precipitated a 5-game losing streak. The team’s total offense fell from 4,500 yards in 1998 to 3,200 yards in 1999, a 29% reduction. Similarly, the 2024 Washington Commanders, coached by Dan Quinn, grapple with center vacancies as Nick Allegretti, Julian Good-Jones, and Matt Gulbin vie for the role. These recurring line disruptions force teams to prioritize depth, prompting front offices to allocate additional cap space for versatile linemen.

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Quinn Demands Work

Head coach Dan Quinn said the Commanders need more work after a 17-13 preseason loss to Detroit.
The offense managed three one-yard plays while quarterback Jayden Daniels completed no passes.
Quinn identified the center position as a problem because Nick Allegretti remains out.
Washington replaced Monday’s walkthrough with a full practice to address the center issue before a Baltimore scrimmage.

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