The Washington Commanders have a big problem brewing at center. And just a few short days after projected starter Nick Allegretti began working his way back from a calf strain suffered during the first training camp practice, another concern emerged.
According to ESPN insider John Keim, Allegretti was once again forced to leave practice early on Day 13 of training camp. No further information was provided, so we might learn a little more from head coach Dan Quinn in the near future. But given his lack of involvement this summer, it's not hard to see why fans are worried.
The Commanders will be hoping for good news. But if it's anything lingering, it might finally be the spark that prompts general manager Adam Peters to take more drastic action.
Commanders are once again awaiting injury news on Nick Allegretti
Washington's options behind Allegretti, who is no sure thing either, are threadbare at best. Julian Good-Jones hasn't performed well this offseason, so keeping him around would be a major risk. Sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin is coming along gradually, but he might also be best suited to guard.
After that, there is nothing worth shouting about.
Even Brandon Coleman, who has taken snaps at center, is no longer an option. He is needed on the blindside after the torn triceps injury to five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
It's a fluid situation, or at least it should be.
Allegretti needed starting reps over camp and the preseason more than any other lineman. He's failed to meet expectations at either guard spot over his first two years in Washington, and he is inexperienced at center.
If Allegretti has reaggravated the calf strain, that could potentially put his status for Week 1 in doubt. Considering the Commanders will have to contain the formidable Philadelphia Eagles defensive line duo of Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, it's not hard to see where the problems could emerge.
This is a complication the Commanders brought on themselves, in all honesty.
Commanders' center issues are self-inflicted, and drastic action may now be required
Peters released veteran Tyler Biadasz this offseason, and there was no urgency to replace him. They were confident in Allegretti, even giving him a contract extension in advance. What they didn't do was solidify the depth behind him, and that is now coming back to bite them.
There is still time. The Commanders will likely scour the waiver wire after final cuts for a potential addition. There is also the option of making a trade, though teams around the league don't tend to part ways with productive interior linemen unless it's an offer they cannot refuse.
The uncertainty around Allegretti's status is troubling. Washington is already without Tunsil, potentially for the entire 2026 season. If the anchor of the offensive line is also wavering, it won't take much for the entire unit to crumble.
And that is the last thing Washington needs when there is so much at stake for the club in 2026.
Washington's medical staff will take every possible precaution with Allegretti. Making sure he's on the field for the regular-season opener is the primary goal, and that hasn't changed. But losing so many vital reps throughout the Commanders' preparations for the new campaign may have a ripple effect when push comes to shove.
Hopefully, it's nothing serious, and Allegretti can get back onto the practice field quickly. If not, the Commanders should take nothing off the table.
There is too much on the line for anything else.
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