Adam Peters is still scrambling for answers as the injury bug continues to decimate the Washington Commanders. It's been one problem after another with no signs of slowing down, leaving the general manager scraping the bottom of the barrel for players capable of providing short-term relief.
The Commanders needed to think quickly after defensive lineman Eddie Goldman and wide receiver Jaylin Lane were placed on injured reserve following injuries in Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Jamel Agnew was claimed off waivers to fill the rookie's shoes over the next two games. Peters went to the wire again to compensate for the veteran's absence.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, which was later confirmed by the team, the Commanders have also claimed Shy Tuttle off waivers following his hasty departure from the Tennessee Titans. He's an experienced pro with plenty of starting experience. Unfortunately, not much of it has been good.
Commanders' claiming Shy Tuttle off waivers reeks of inevitable desperation
Still, desperate times call for desperate measures. And that's precisely what this move represents.
Veteran nose tackle Shy Tuttle was claimed today on waivers by the Washington Commanders.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 22, 2025
Tuttle was solid if not spectacular over his first four NFL seasons with the New Orleans Saints. This earned him a pretty decent free-agent deal with the Carolina Panthers, who moved him into the nose tackle position in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's 3-4 base scheme.
This did not go well. Tuttle didn't have the size or strength to effectively man the anchor role. He was constantly pushed off his spot as the Panthers quickly became one of the league's worst run defenses. Nevertheless, Evero kept faith with the former Tennessee standout for a second campaign with the same results in 2024.
The Panthers conceded more than 3,000 rushing yards and the most single-season points in NFL history. Tuttle always puts effort in, but his consistency falls well short of the required standard. General manager Dan Morgan released him earlier this year, and the Titans quickly came calling.
Things didn't go according to plan there, either. Tuttle failed to establish himself, even on a struggling team. He's played just 152 snaps, and with Tennessee going nowhere fast, they opted to dispose of the lineman early.
Now, he gets the chance to salvage his career in Washington. He could get reps immediately with Goldman out, especially considering Johnny Newton is an absolute liability against the run. Whether he can provide the assurance needed is another matter.
The Commanders don't have anything on the line, so it's worth a shot. However, fans shouldn't hold their breath.