Laremy Tunsil’s first season in Washington has been exactly what the Commanders were hoping for when they traded for the All-Pro left tackle last offseason - rock solid, reliable, and dominant in the trenches. But as the team heads into a Saturday matchup with the Eagles, Tunsil’s status is suddenly up in the air.
The veteran lineman exited Sunday’s win over the Giants in the first half with what was initially believed to be a shoulder issue. He returned briefly, only to leave again - this time with the team officially labeling it an oblique injury.
He ended up playing just 29 of Washington’s 61 offensive snaps. For a guy who’s been an anchor on the line all season, that’s a significant drop.
Head coach Dan Quinn addressed the situation on Monday, confirming that Tunsil is dealing with an oblique injury and that his availability for Saturday will come down to how he responds over the next few days.
“We’ll have to see what the strength looks like for him, the movement, the strength over the next couple days,” Quinn said. “And if he’s able to, then he will play.”
That’s not exactly a definitive answer, and it leaves Washington with a decision to make. With three games left and nothing on the line in terms of playoff implications, there’s a real question about whether it’s worth risking further injury to one of their most valuable players.
Tunsil, for his part, has made it clear he wants to get paid - and ideally, he’d like that payday to come in Washington. With two years remaining on his current deal, his performance this season has only strengthened his case for a raise. He’s started every game this year, and his presence has been a stabilizing force for a young offense trying to find its identity.
Kliff Kingsbury, Washington’s offensive coordinator, didn’t mince words last week when talking about Tunsil, saying plainly, “He’s going to get a lot of money.” That kind of praise doesn’t come lightly, especially from a coach who’s seen what elite offensive line play can do for a quarterback.
But now, the Commanders may need to lean on their depth. If Tunsil can’t suit up against Philadelphia, Brandon Coleman is next in line.
The second-year tackle has experience - he started 15 games as a rookie last year, including all three matchups against the Eagles. That familiarity with Philly’s front could prove valuable, especially considering how disruptive that defensive line can be.
Still, there’s no replacing a player like Tunsil. His combination of footwork, strength, and football IQ makes him one of the best in the league at protecting the blind side. And for a team that just shut down quarterback Jayden Daniels for the season, keeping the rest of their core healthy is now a top priority.
The short week doesn’t help either. With the Commanders playing on Saturday instead of Sunday, every hour counts in Tunsil’s recovery. Whether or not he’s ready in time remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure - Washington will be cautious with a player who’s central to their long-term plans.
For now, all eyes are on Tunsil’s progress over the next few days. The Commanders may not have much left to play for this season, but protecting their investment - and their future - is reason enough to tread carefully.