The Washington Commanders received concerning news from the practice field on Saturday when All-Pro left tackle Laremy Tunsil was forced to leave drills early.

The veteran offensive lineman appeared to sustain a shoulder or neck injury during one-on-one pass-rush work against edge rusher Odafe Oweh and did not return.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Tunsil will undergo further evaluation and testing. While the initial sense around the team is not one of major alarm, the possibility remains that he could miss some practice time and potentially regular-season action depending on the results.

Tunsil was first examined in the medical tent before being taken to the team facility for additional assessment.

Tunsil’s presence is critical for a Commanders team still trying to stabilize its offensive line and build consistency under new leadership.

Acquired via trade from the Houston Texans ahead of the 2025 season, the former Ole Miss standout delivered one of the strongest campaigns of his career last year despite Washington finishing 5-12.

His performance earned him a two-year, $60.2 million contract extension in March, locking him in through the 2028 season.

With the extension, Tunsil’s career earnings now approach $224 million, underscoring both his value and the financial commitment the franchise has made to protecting its quarterback’s blind side.

At his best, Tunsil ranks among the NFL’s premier left tackles, combining elite athleticism with the strength to handle both speed rushers and power defenders. His absence, even for a short stretch, would force the Commanders to lean on depth pieces still competing for roles during training camp.

Offensive line continuity is especially important for a unit that has struggled with consistency in recent seasons, and any prolonged absence for a player of Tunsil’s caliber would test the group’s ability to protect the pocket and open running lanes.

As the Commanders continue through the remainder of the preseason schedule, the medical staff’s findings on Tunsil will be closely watched. For now, the organization is proceeding cautiously while waiting on imaging and further evaluation to determine the severity of the issue and a realistic recovery timeline.

The hope inside the building is that the injury proves manageable and that one of the team’s most important players can return without significant disruption to the offensive plans for 2026.