The concerns around Washington’s offensive line have only grown louder since Laremy Tunsil went down with a torn triceps, but Josh Conerly Jr. isn’t buying the panic.
The Commanders’ right tackle says the group has been judged too early, with too little of the full unit actually on the field together during the preseason. In his view, the criticism has been built on a tiny sample, and the real version of this line is still waiting to show itself when the games count.
"I think it's a huge misconception because I know how much we work. There's only been so much put out there of the five being out there at once.
We've got a great opportunity to play the Eagles and the Cowboys to start it off. It'll be fun."
That confidence is exactly what Washington needs from its young tackle, especially with the regular season opening against two division rivals. Conerly made clear he sees the early doubts as something the line can answer on the field rather than something to dwell on.
The problems, though, are real enough. Losing Tunsil is a major hit.
He was playing at an All-Pro level last season and had already become a respected voice in the locker room. On top of that, projected starting center Nick Allegretti missed almost all of the summer after suffering a calf strain on the first day of training camp.
He then reaggravated it during his first ramp-up and only returned in a limited way this week.
That leaves Washington with plenty of uncertainty. Chris Paul is not exactly building trust at left guard, while Brandon Coleman is now the one expected to step into the void left by Tunsil. Opposing defenses are going to circle that side of the line as a place to attack.
The right side, at least, offers more reason for optimism. Sam Cosmi is back healthy at right guard, and head coach Dan Quinn recently praised him for taking his game to the next level. Conerly, meanwhile, is still developing, but his growth over the second half of his rookie season gives the Commanders something to lean on.
And if there’s one thing this group can use, it’s a little chip on its shoulder. Being doubted before the season even starts should only sharpen the edge.
Washington won’t have long to prove anything. The Commanders open with Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis of the Philadelphia Eagles, then face Quinnen Williams and the Dallas Cowboys, with both games coming on the road. After that comes a stretch against the Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts, New York Giants, and San Francisco 49ers, all of whom bring defensive fronts that can expose weakness in a hurry.
If Conerly is right, Washington’s line will answer fast. If he’s wrong, the schedule is ready to make that obvious just as quickly.
In Other News...
Commanders Quietly Added A Tackle Who Could Solve A Real Depth Concern
The Commanders roster cleanup after cutdown day included a little bit of housekeeping and a little bit of insurance, with Washington bringing back 12 players it had previously waived or released while also adding five outside players to the 53-man roster and practice squad mix. Among the new faces was veteran cornerback Isaac Yiadom, but the more intriguing addition for Washingtons depth chart may be offensive tackle Esa Pole, a name with a recent NFL trail and a clear path to matter if the line gets tested.
Pole arrived with a bit of experience already in his pocket, having spent time with the Chiefs and Jets before making his NFL debut last season. He got four starts at left tackle before being waived, and Washingtons decision to bring him in now points to how much the team values having another viable option at a spot where depth can disappear quickly. The Commanders are still sorting out the final shape of that room, and Pole gives them a player whose role could grow faster than most practice squad additions. [Read more 🡒]
Former Commanders Contributor Is Latest Reminder Of Washingtons Cornerback Turnover
Noah Igbinoghenes path is a useful snapshot of how much the Commanders have churned through their cornerback room in recent seasons. He appeared in 32 games over two years in Washington before reaching free agency, and since then his route has taken him from a one-year deal with the Seahawks in March 2025 to a release during final cuts and then another one-year contract, this time with Cleveland.
For Washington, the bigger story is the revolving door behind him. The team has continued to make defensive backfield signings and practice squad additions this offseason, another sign that the cornerback spot remains a moving target as the Commanders try to settle on a long-term mix. [Read more 🡒]
Brandon Aiyuk Keeps Sending A Message Washington No Longer Needs
Brandon Aiyuk keeps putting Washington gear in front of his followers, a steady stream of social posts that has made it clear where his eyes have been aimed. The receiver remains under contract with the San Francisco 49ers, but the message from his corner has been hard to miss for a Commanders fan base that watched the offseason at receiver unfold with plenty of curiosity.
Washington, though, appears to have moved on long ago. The team never showed much interest in making Aiyuk a target, with the general manager making it clear Stefon Diggs had been the preferred veteran option from the start. Aiyuk has not applied for reinstatement, and with his NFL future still uncertain, the social media hints are starting to feel more like background noise than a path back to D.C. [Read more 🡒]