Washington’s rough run with injuries continued Monday night as left tackle Laremy Tunsil was forced out of the Commanders’ 28-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with a hamstring injury.
Laremy Tunsil, acquired in a major offseason trade from the Houston Texans, hurt his hamstring midway through the first quarter. He briefly returned in the second but left for good late in the first half. The 31-year-old veteran was officially ruled out during the second half, leaving the already banged-up Commanders scrambling for answers.
Washington traded four draft picks — a second-, third-, fourth-, and seventh-rounder — to get Laremy Tunsil and a fourth-round pick from Houston. So far, he’s lived up to expectations, ranking among Pro Football Focus’ top pass blockers this season and providing much-needed stability on the offensive line. His absence was noticeable against the defending Super Bowl champions.
Second-year lineman Brandon Coleman stepped in at left tackle after starting the season at left guard. Coleman, who started 12 games at tackle last year, had lost his job earlier in the season but was called upon once again to fill the void.
Injuries have been a recurring nightmare for Washington. The Commanders already have five starters on injured reserve, while quarterback Jayden Daniels missed his third game of the season with a lingering hamstring problem. The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year also sat out Weeks 3 and 4 due to an ankle issue.
There was at least some positive news: Terry McLaurin returned after missing four games with a quad injury, hauling in three catches for 54 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown. But even that silver lining came with concern — the star receiver appeared to tweak his right quad again after a diving 25-yard grab late in the third quarter.
“I felt pretty good,” McLaurin said afterward. “I’ll see how it progresses from here. I’m pretty optimistic.”
With the Commanders now sitting at 3-5, their playoff hopes are slipping fast. And unless the team finds a way to get — and stay — healthy, their season could unravel even further.
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