The Washington Commanders figure to have solid depth at offensive tackle in 2025 after trading for five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil and using a first-round pick on Josh Conerly Jr. That’s good news, as head coach Dan Quinn revealed on Sunday that veteran tackle Lucas Niang tore his ACL during Friday’s preseason loss to the New England Patriots.
“One thing I can say is that Lucas Niang did tear his ACL, so bummer on that part,” Quinn said Sunday before practice. “I wanted to give you that update. He had really done a nice job for us in a short time, so we’re really bummed for him. At offensive line to come in and learn it and being ready to go play, it sucks in this chapter, but there’s a lot more for him out there. But wanted to acknowledge that today.”
Advertisement
Niang, 26, signed with the Commanders on July 30 after guard Nate Herbig surprisingly revealed he was retiring.
A third-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2020 NFL draft, Niang did not play his rookie season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the next three years, he appeared in 33 games with nine starts. Niang spent the 2024 season on Kansas City’s practice squad.
Niang faced an uphill battle to make Washington’s 53-man roster. In addition to Tunsil and Conerly, Andrew Wylie is a lock to make the roster. Wylie can play tackle and guard. Also, there’s a good chance that Trent Scott will return for another season, too. The Commanders also have longtime veteran Bobby Hart in training camp.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders lose veteran OL to season-ending knee injury