Injuries have decimated the Washington Commanders this season. And it didn't take long for another grave issue to come up on Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs.
And, in typical Washington fashion, it involved one of their franchise cornerstones.
It was an impressive first drive from the Commanders. They steadily moved the ball downfield, but a critical lapse in concentration by All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. resulted in an interception. However, one couldn't put this on veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota.
This outstanding first series came at a price. Commanders fans saw left tackle Laremy Tunsil hobble back to the locker room for additional tests. The elite blindside enforcer was officially listed as questionable to return with a hamstring problem. He did not come out for the second drive, with Brandon Coleman coming in to replace him after being activated for the first time since Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers.
Commanders lost Laremy Tunsil after one drive against the Chiefs
Tunsil was acquired via trade from the Houston Texans at great expense this offseason. The Commanders thought he could become the Pro Bowl-caliber edge protector this franchise desperately needed. He's been nothing short of exceptional thus far, so losing him for any length of time represents yet another body blow.
It's testing the Commanders' depth right to its limit and beyond. Countless established figures have missed time this season. Some are out for the entire campaign. And if Tunsil adds his name to this ever-growing list, that could be a knockout blow that Washington isn't capable of recovering from.
Fortunately, Tunsil came back into the game late in the second quarter. The relief was palpable, but it was short-lived. The Ole Miss product lasted a few more snaps before being ruled out completely.
This has been the story of a season in which much was expected. No team has dealt with more health concerns than the Commanders. Fans will be nervously awaiting developments on Tunsil, whose dependability and tone-setting consistency cannot be replicated by anyone else on the offensive line.
As always, head coach Dan Quinn will adapt. But one has to wonder just how many more hits the Commanders can take.