Lucas Niang’s season-ending ACL tear leaves the Commanders vulnerably thin on the edge, thrusting an unsettled training camp competition at right tackle. Washington also awaits guard Sam Cosmi’s return from ACL injury, with the opener against New York looming on Sept. 7. Niang had been lined up to replace Nate Herbig, who retired earlier in the offseason, and the team has not yet announced who will occupy Niang’s spot on the roster. In the mix are former Chiefs linemen Andrew Wylie and Nick Allegretti, who joined Washington in the offseason and could factor into early depth.

Two weeks into camp, the coaching staff remains tight-lipped about the exact replacement plan, increasing the importance of internal competition and possible early-season lineup shuffles. Cosmi’s status adds another layer of intrigue, as his ACL tear last season cast doubt on his readiness for Week 1. The Chiefs connection in Washington’s room, plus Cosmi’s uncertain timeline, creates a delicate puzzle for fantasy owners tracking Washington’s run game and quarterback protection as the season approaches.