There was a lot to like about the Washington Commanders' approach during their joint practice with the Miami Dolphins, especially defensively. However, the worthwhile session also exposed a concerning flaw that fans have been worried about over recent days.
This was reportedly not a good day for the offensive line. Miami has a better defensive front than most give them credit for, but this showing only raised the doubts after Washington lost five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
The Commanders had better get used to it, too.
Commanders' offensive line needs to get it together after subpar joint practice
Tunsil tore his triceps and will have surgery, putting him on the shelf for most, if not all, of the 2026 campaign. Washington opted to slot Brandon Coleman back onto the blindside rather than examine outside help, but this overall showing from the starting unit didn't do much to inspire.
Right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. had a colossal tussle with Dolphins edge rusher Chop Robinson throughout. He had a few nice reps, but the Penn State product gave him plenty of issues as well. Still, this is only going to make both players better in the long run.
Josh Conerly Jr vs Chop Robinson has been a BATTLE today. Both have had great reps. #Commanders
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorFB) August 12, 2026
The interior continues to worry. Left guard Chris Paul and whoever was at center struggled to generate any positive momentum. Right guard Sam Cosmi was solid enough, but it's clear Coleman is still trying to find his feet back on the edge.
As Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic said, the Commanders looked like an offensive line that just lost its best player. And even though there are still a few weeks to develop cohesion and figure things out, there is a lot of hard work ahead.
The Commanders’ offensive line so far looks like … an offensive line that lost their best player.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 12, 2026
Fortunately, this didn't prevent quarterback Jayden Daniels from having a good day. The signal-caller got the football out quickly and was on point with his playmakers. Washington's rushing attack didn't fare nearly as well, with running lanes at a premium.
This will have told head coach Dan Quinn, general manager Adam Peters, and offensive coordinator David Blough a lot. It's worth remembering that the Commanders were without starting center Nick Allegretti as he recovers from a calf strain, but there are also worries about his consistency.
Commanders cannot feel sorry for themselves without Laremy Tunsil to lean on
Not having Tunsil to depend on rocked everyone. It's a bitter blow to the Commanders' hopes, but this team is well-versed in coping with injuries to key personnel.
What's important is finding the right solutions. Based on this session against NFL competition that isn't their own teammates, the offensive line needs to step things up.
And quickly.
We are still a few weeks away from Washington's regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. But with Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith Jr., and Arnold Ebiketie to contend with, it's not hard to see where the complications could emerge.
If this doesn't serve as a wake-up call, it should. Because the Commanders can ill afford to have this critical area of the field become a weak link.
That comes with much graver ramifications attached. But time is still on their side.
For now, at least.
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