With a 2-5-1 record, the Washington Commanders‘ season is already on the ropes. Their chances of capturing an NFC wild-card playoff spot seem minimal in an increasingly competitive conference. If they lose to the division rival New York Giants on Thursday night, who are already three games ahead of them in the NFC East standings, it’s probably safe to say this Washington season will end up going nowhere.
But what happens if Washington can beat the Giants? First off, things would get a lot more interesting in the NFC East. Second, there’s a distinct possibility the Commanders could get some much-needed reinforcements to help with a potential playoff push in the stretch run.
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I’m talking, of course, about five-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Tunsil tore a triceps tendon in early August, which immediately threw a wrench into the Commanders’ offensive plans for 2026. But while Tunsil would miss significant time, it was never called a season-ending injury. In fact, a torn triceps tendon usually keeps NFL players out for 4-6 months. Hmm. Assuming Tunsil’s recovery and injury rehabilitation have been going swimmingly, he will reach the four-month mark in early December.
It stands to reason that Tunsil could return and play right as the Commanders try to build momentum for a possible January push. There have been no major updates on Tunsil’s status lately, other than Washington head coach Dan Quinn recently noting that Tunsil is on track to meet all the progressive injury-recovery milestones the Commanders set out for him. That sure sounds like Washington could really get its best offensive lineman back in the lineup before the end of the year.
Now, it’s just on the Commanders to ensure that Tunsil is playing meaningful football if he comes back in 2026.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: When will Laremy Tunsil come back to the Commanders?
