The Washington Commanders got plenty out of their joint practice with the Miami Dolphins, and not all of it was comforting.
Defensively, there was a lot to appreciate. But the session also put a spotlight on the concern that has been hanging over Washington for days: the offensive line is under real pressure after losing five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Tunsil tore his triceps and will have surgery, leaving him out for most, if not all, of the 2026 season. Washington has already moved Brandon Coleman back to the blindside instead of searching for outside help, but this practice didn’t do much to calm nerves about the starting group.
Josh Conerly Jr. had his hands full at right tackle against Dolphins edge rusher Chop Robinson. The two had some strong moments, but Robinson clearly made life difficult for the rookie at times. It was the kind of battle that can help both players in the long run, even if it was messy in the moment.
Josh Conerly Jr vs Chop Robinson has been a BATTLE today. Both have had great reps. #Commanders
- Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorFB) August 12, 2026
The bigger issue sat inside. Left guard Chris Paul and whoever lined up at center had trouble creating any real push, while right guard Sam Cosmi was steady enough. Coleman, meanwhile, is still getting comfortable back on the edge.
Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic summed up the look of the unit bluntly: the Commanders appeared to be an offensive line that had just lost its best player.
The Commanders’ offensive line so far looks like … an offensive line that lost their best player.
- Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 12, 2026
Even with those struggles up front, Jayden Daniels had a solid day. He got the ball out quickly and found his playmakers with consistency. The run game, though, did not enjoy the same success, with lanes difficult to come by.
The practice also gave head coach Dan Quinn, general manager Adam Peters, and offensive coordinator David Blough a useful look at the current state of the line. Washington was without starting center Nick Allegretti, who is working back from a calf strain, and there are questions about his consistency as well.
The reality is simple: the Commanders are now trying to function without Tunsil, and that is a major blow. Still, this is a team that has dealt with injuries to important players before, and the task now is to sort out the best answers.
There are still a few weeks before Washington opens the regular season against the Philadelphia Eagles, but the challenge is already obvious. With Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith Jr., and Arnold Ebiketie on the other side, the Commanders know exactly where trouble could start.
If this wasn’t a wake-up call, it should be. The offensive line cannot afford to become the weak spot.
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