Losing Laremy Tunsil hurts, but Washington has a capable replacement in Brandon Coleman. The former third-round pick allowed zero sacks and just five pressures across 242 snaps at left tackle last season.
The Washington Commanders received injury news that no team wants to hear. Five-time Pro-Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who recently signed a two-year, $60.2 million extension with the team, suffered a torn triceps on Saturday and is expected to miss a significant portion of the season.
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the injury on Monday and says Tunsil will undergo surgery. Washington will now turn to former 2024 third-round pick Brandon Coleman at left tackle.
Since news of Tunsil's injury broke, members of the media and fans have expressed concern about how it could impact the Commanders' offensive line. Understandably so. Losing one of the best blindside tackles in the NFL is a significant blow.
However, this injury shouldn't be treated as doom and gloom.
Coleman has proven he can handle the left tackle position when called upon. He started 12 games at left tackle as a rookie and helped Washington make it to the NFC Championship game that season.
Coleman also played 242 snaps at left tackle during the 2025-26 season when Tunsil was temporarily sidelined by injury, and he performed well. He allowed zero sacks and zero quarterback hits while giving up just five pressures, resulting in a 2.1 pressure rate.
"We know he's ready," Quinn said of Coleman on Monday. "He's put in an excellent offseason."
Coleman's first day back at left tackle on Monday went well. He reportedly didn't allow a pressure during the first 11-on-11 period and had several strong reps against star defensive end Odafe Oweh.
Let's address the elephant in the room: Will Brandon Coleman be as good as Laremy Tunsil? No. But does that mean Washington's offensive line is in serious trouble? Absolutely not.
There will inevitably be a drop-off when you lose a five-time Pro Bowl left tackle, but that doesn't mean Coleman can't keep the position afloat while Tunsil is sidelined. Coleman doesn't need to become Tunsil overnight. Washington simply needs him to be reliable enough to give Jayden Daniels the protection he needs.
"From having to play all those starts his rookie year to different experiences last year, and us sharing with him that he was gonna be the left tackle and him lighting up, eager for the opportunity to go after this ting. I think he has demonstrated everything that we're looking for to protect that side for us," offensive coordinator David Blough said of Coleman.
And who knows? Maybe David Blough's new offense can help put Coleman and the rest of the offensive line in positions to succeed. If Blough's system emphasizes getting the ball out quickly and using movement and play-action, that could take some pressure off the offensive line.
We'll learn a lot more during joint practices, the preseason and, eventually, the regular season. Until then, there's no reason for Commanders fans to panic. The sky is not falling. This team will be just fine.
