With Laremy Tunsil sidelined, the Washington Commanders are heading into Saturday’s divisional clash against the Eagles with a significant hole on their offensive line - and it couldn’t come at a more pivotal moment in the season.
Tunsil has been the anchor up front, arguably the team’s most valuable player this year. His ability to dominate in both pass protection and the run game has been a defining piece of Washington’s offensive identity. Whether it’s stonewalling edge rushers or clearing space on double teams, Tunsil’s presence has been felt on nearly every snap.
But now, with Tunsil out, the Commanders are turning once again to Brandon Coleman.
Coleman, who began the season as the starting left guard, lost that job to Chris Paul earlier in the year. But when Tunsil went down with a hamstring injury against Kansas City, it was Coleman who stepped in. He was called upon again last week in New York and will be back in the starting lineup for Saturday’s game - his first start since Week 2.
Head coach Dan Quinn acknowledged just how critical this stretch of games is, not just for playoff hopes, but for reestablishing the team’s identity.
“These three weeks are about recapturing that north - our identity,” Quinn said Thursday. “Laremy’s been a big part of everything: the run game, pass protection. His ability to displace people off the line, especially on double teams, has been huge.”
Quinn also praised Coleman’s readiness, saying the veteran lineman looked prepared and played like it.
But when asked to reflect on Coleman’s trajectory this season - losing his starting spot and spending five straight games as a healthy inactive - Quinn was candid.
“That’s the one spot we hadn’t been banged up in,” he said. “So yeah, obviously disappointed when Chris stepped in and stayed in that space.”
Still, Quinn made it clear that Coleman has remained engaged, even while being relegated to the bench. He’s taken reps at both guard and tackle, and even contributed as an extra tight end in jumbo packages - a testament to his versatility and willingness to do whatever’s asked.
“There’s some things like, ‘Hey, let’s get him back in the fight,’” Quinn said.
That “fight” wasn’t always easy. Being a healthy scratch for five straight weeks is tough on any player, especially one who started the season in the lineup. But Quinn pointed to Coleman’s professionalism and resilience as reasons why he’s earned another shot.
“I saw good practice habits, number one,” Quinn said. “This wasn’t a guy that put his head down and sulked about it.”
That kind of mental toughness matters, especially in the trenches. Offensive linemen don’t rotate like skill players.
You’re either in or you’re out - and when your number’s called, you better be ready. According to Quinn, Coleman has done the work behind the scenes - in the classroom, on the practice field, and in the film room - to stay prepared.
“It’s not always smooth,” Quinn said. “But that showed a lot about his resilience - to say, ‘Okay, these aren’t the circumstances I want, but I’m going to go battle for it.’”
Coleman has appeared in nine games this season, but Saturday marks his first start since those early-season contests against the Giants and Packers. With the playoffs still within reach and three straight division games to close the regular season, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
And while replacing someone like Tunsil is no small task, the Commanders are hoping Coleman’s preparation, versatility, and mindset will help steady the ship - at least for now.