Commanders Hit With Double Blow as Newton, Tunsil Suffer Major Injuries

Johnny Newton out long-term with torn pec

Injury Crisis in Washington: Newton sidelined, Tunsil faces season-threatening surgery.

Commanders lose Newton to torn pectoral, Tunsil to triceps injury ahead of opener...

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Johnny Newton will be sidelined for a while after surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports.

Newton, 23, played every game last season and set a personal best with 5 sacks to go with 38 tackles.

The 2024 second-round pick started 11 of the 16 games he appeared in as a rookie, finishing that year with 44 tackles and 2 sacks.

It's another hit to Washington's trenches, this time on offense. Earlier in camp, left tackle Laremy Tunsil tore his triceps and is set for surgery.

Sources: #Commanders DT Johnny Newton underwent surgery for a torn pectoral muscle and is expected to miss significant time.

The former Illinois standout has 82 tackles, 7 sacks (5 last year), 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 33 career games. pic.twitter.com/OVq4mvoxYT

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 20, 2026

Tunsil is now expected to miss most of the season, and potentially the entire year.

The Commanders went 5-12 in 2025, just one year after falling to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship. They open 2026 against that same Eagles team on September 13th.