Plans had to take a seismic shift at left tackle when five-time Pro Bowl blindside enforcer Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps that could rule him out for the entire campaign.
And on the eve of their long-awaited season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Washington Commanders' plans are changing again.
The team confirmed that D.J. Humphries has been released, ending his extremely brief stint with the franchise. He joined just before final cuts when those in power were not satisfied with their backup tackle options. Now, he's on the unemployment line once again.
Commanders have no viable backup left tackle after D.J. Humphries release
Washington didn't make a corresponding move. This suggests general manager Adam Peters has something else up his sleeve with a roster spot open, and given the Commanders' current tackle depth, he'd better do something.
With Tunsil out, 2024 third-round pick Brandon Coleman will start on the blindside. He's got experience at left tackle as a rookie, and he did relatively well despite the inevitable first-year growing pains.
Behind him, there isn't much.
Andrew Wylie could potentially play on the left edge if needed, though he's spent most of his time on the right-hand side and looked exposed on the edge. Chris Paul played left tackle in college at Tulsa, but he's starting inside.
After that, nothing.
There is the presence of Trent Scott on the practice squad. He could get elevated for Washington's pivotal Week 1 game at Lincoln Financial Field. But it's not exactly a solid strategy for the entire campaign.
Commanders need a better contingency plan if Brandon Coleman flounders
Tunsil's injury changed everything. It sucked the life out of Washington's campaign aspirations, and things won't take long to sour if Coleman cannot meet the challenge.
Even so, the Commanders just have to suck it up and move forward.
Any team would miss an elite player like Tunsil. He's one of the league's best for a reason. But if the Commanders don't secure another contingency plan after Humphries' abrupt exit, that puts too much pressure on Coleman.
Peters knows what he's doing. Fans should expect a swift move, either over the weekend or at the start of next week. But maybe this was taken out of his hands once Humphries didn't have the motivation or juice left to make a difference.
These things happen. But what comes next is important.
Washington's protection for quarterback Jayden Daniels has come under scrutiny, even before Tunsil's injury. The gamble at center could go either way. Paul still has questions to answer at left guard. Josh Conerly Jr. and Sam Cosmi should be pretty solid on the right, but that will not be enough.
The Commanders wanted a good look at Humphries, but it didn't work out. Given how long it took him to find work this offseason, this might be the last anyone sees of him in the league again.
But the Commanders can't roll with what they have and use the free roster spot at another position.
That is asking for trouble.
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