Perceptions of the 2026 Washington Commanders have changed a lot over the last month. Heading into training camp, the Commanders were a team of mystery, but many believed they could still compete for a playoff spot in 2026 if they could keep quarterback Jayden Daniels healthy.
Optimism grew when Washington signed four-time Pro Bowl wideout Stefon Diggs, giving Daniels another top-tier weapon, while also making life a bit easier for star receiver Terry McLaurin. But the day after Diggs competed in his first Commanders' practice, left tackle Laremy Tunsil tore his triceps. It was a devastating injury for many reasons. Tunsil is one of the NFL's best players, and he was critical in protecting Daniels.
Washington's solution was to move Brandon Coleman back to left tackle to replace Tunsil. It's a good plan, considering Coleman played left tackle in 2024. While he's no Tunsil, Coleman is better than multiple left tackles in the NFL. The only problem is that it took Coleman away from the left guard competition, which he was expected to win.
Making matters worse, new center Nick Allegretti missed almost all of training camp. The veteran offensive lineman moved to center this offseason to replace Tyler Biadasz. While the Commanders are confident in Allegretti, those on the outside don't believe Washington did enough at center. All summer long, journeyman Julian Good-Jones and rookie sixth-round pick Matt Gulbin — who have a combined two career NFL snaps — took turns at center. They struggled; Good-Jones was cut and is now on the practice squad, while Gulbin is one snap away from replacing Allegretti.
As a result, several **** ysts have predicted that Washington will finish last in the NFC East.
#left #daniels #tackle
Optimism grew when Washington signed four-time Pro Bowl wideout Stefon Diggs, giving Daniels another top-tier weapon, while also making life a bit easier for star receiver Terry McLaurin. But the day after Diggs competed in his first Commanders' practice, left tackle Laremy Tunsil tore his triceps. It was a devastating injury for many reasons. Tunsil is one of the NFL's best players, and he was critical in protecting Daniels.
Washington's solution was to move Brandon Coleman back to left tackle to replace Tunsil. It's a good plan, considering Coleman played left tackle in 2024. While he's no Tunsil, Coleman is better than multiple left tackles in the NFL. The only problem is that it took Coleman away from the left guard competition, which he was expected to win.
Making matters worse, new center Nick Allegretti missed almost all of training camp. The veteran offensive lineman moved to center this offseason to replace Tyler Biadasz. While the Commanders are confident in Allegretti, those on the outside don't believe Washington did enough at center. All summer long, journeyman Julian Good-Jones and rookie sixth-round pick Matt Gulbin — who have a combined two career NFL snaps — took turns at center. They struggled; Good-Jones was cut and is now on the practice squad, while Gulbin is one snap away from replacing Allegretti.
As a result, several **** ysts have predicted that Washington will finish last in the NFC East.
#left #daniels #tackle
4 days ago
