The Washington Commanders are reeling from the season-ending injuries to Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne. It's a massive setback, but the coaching staff must find ways to cope without the formidable duo over the final 10 games of the campaign.
This could mean even more work for Shy Tuttle, who has quietly emerged as one of Washington's biggest surprises amid the near-constant doom and gloom.
Tuttle has received more work this season, and he has caught the eye. He is a formidable presence to move off the block on running plays, and the Tennessee product is also generating pressure through a nice blend of power and explosiveness off the snap.
Shy Tuttle could become Commanders' unlikely hero in the defensive trenches
The veteran is also technically sound, improving his hand placement while also absorbing double teams much more effectively. With Payne and Kinlaw out, the Commanders will be hoping this continues, especially with the Los Angeles Rams coming to town this weekend.
It's been an interesting journey for Tuttle in recent years. His big-money move to the Carolina Panthers didn't go according to plan, and he didn't look suited to the nose tackle spot in Ejiro Evero's 3-4 front. Frustration with his inconsistency grew, and the team released the veteran before the 2025 campaign.
Though disappointing, the 2019 undrafted free agent didn't stay out of work long, signing with the Tennessee Titans. Tuttle returned to the region where he starred in college, but opportunities were limited. He was released late in the campaign, and the Commanders scooped him up.
Tuttle did enough to earn another one-year commitment, but his roster spot wasn't guaranteed. He made the 53-man squad, and when opportunities came his way, he maximized them.
The Commanders rewarded Tuttle accordingly.
He was splitting reps with Tim Settle Jr. while Kinlaw and Payne were healthy. Now, they're out, and gaining 46.4 percent of snaps against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football resulted in one sack and six tackles.
Shy Tuttle's increased role could earn another deal from the Commanders
This is a positive step, but the hard work is just getting started.
But just when Tuttle's career aspirations were fading, he's enjoying a new lease of life in Washington.
And if he can keep this up for the remaining 10 games, general manager Adam Peters would be wise to commit to the interior lineman when the time comes.
It will be more difficult without Payne and Kinlaw. They are quicker and faster than anyone else in Washington's defensive trenches. Losing them leaves a gaping hole that must be filled, but Tuttle has an experienced presence who can be disruptive enough to keep things ticking over.
And that might be enough.
It's a career renaissance very few thought possible. At best, Tuttle was seen as a depth option who would only be used in an emergency.
Just seven games into the campaign, he may be Washington's most important defensive piece that nobody ever talks about.
Momentum is everything in the NFL. Tuttle looked down and out once, but he should be brimming with confidence now. And if he keeps stacking good performances, Kinlaw and Payne's absences might not be felt as much as expected.
The Commanders need someone to step up. Tuttle might be the guy.
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