Many NFL analysts have picked the Dallas Cowboys to win the NFC East in 2026. They have to worry mostly about the Philadelphia Eagles if they want to reclaim that. The New York Giants are still figuring things out with their young offensive core, but as for the Washington Commanders, it looks like the Cowboys' road just got easier as Washington took a gut punch over the weekend.
Five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps and will miss at least a significant portion of the regular season, per Mike Garafolo and Steve Wyche of NFL Network.
It's a tough blow if you're the Commanders, as Jayden Daniels will be without his key blindside blocker, but the Cowboys get the Commanders in Weeks 2 and 18. It could be a significant advantage to a late playoff push if they need it.
Laremy Tunsil injury is a significant blow to the Commanders
Of course, Tunsil's contributions mean a lot to the Commanders, and he will be missed. Brandon Coleman or Andrew Wylie may step into that LT role, but it's going to be a long season for Daniels if Tunsil misses most of the season.
The report doesn't give a time frame for how long he's out, but significant time could easily mean more than half the season.
The Cowboys alone have a clear path to take back the NFC East, but they had the Commanders and Eagles to think about before Tunsil's injury. Daniels is coming back from an injury-riddled season himself and would've liked a strong support system like Tunsil to stay healthy. Without the Commanders' best offensive lineman, the passing game will no doubt be at a disadvantage.
The Cowboys have a chance to start 2-0 on the season if they beat the Giants and take advantage of the Tunsil-less Commanders.
The Eagles games are going to be the main events of the season, as it's looking more and more like both teams will be vying for the top spot in the NFC East. The Commanders had a fighting chance, but without Tunsil, it's going to be tough for them this season.
There's so much to look forward to on defense. Fans are already in love with defensive coordinator Christian Parker, and Caleb Downs is looking like the real deal. Malachi Lawrence could be a sleeper candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. A full season of Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark is going to be devastating for some offensive linemen.
It's a tough blow for the Commanders, but that's more of an excuse for Dallas to take the NFC East in 2026.
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