Commanders’ Leo Chenal to miss remainder of season

The Washington Commanders got their first win of the season against the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, but they lost someone in the process. Linebacker Leo Chenal suffered a scary neck injury with just under seven minutes to play in the second quarter.

Seahawks running back Emmanuel Wilson was carrying the ball when Chenal tackled him short of the line to gain. Unfortunately, Chenal led with his head and appeared to jam his neck in the process. On replay, it looked almost more like a shoulder injury at first, but then the cart came out, and the seriousness of the injury became clear. Chenal was strapped down, but could be seen pumping his fist as the cart took him off the field.

Today, as injury reports are being released, we have learned that Chenal will miss the remainder of the 2026 season. He has a fracture in his neck that will require season-ending surgery.

Before his exit, Chenal recorded three tackles (two solo) and one tackle for a loss, but his stats aren't what the Commanders will miss the most. Chenal ranks second in tackles and was playing extremely well against the Seahawks when he got hurt. Chenal's injury leaves rookie Sonny Styles as the only healthy linebacker from the original top four. Frankie Luvu has missed two games with a hamstring injury, and backup Jordan Magee was placed on injured reserve after Week 1.

Second-year linebacker Kain Medrano capitalized on his first playing time on defense, returning a Sam Darnold interception 50 yards for a touchdown.

The good news is that despite his season being over, Chenal has full feeling and movement in his extremities, and he is expected to make a full recovery. In the meantime, the Commanders have to find a way to somehow mimic the impact Chenal had on the field. Chaisson started that against the Seahawks, but others will have to step up, too.

Commanders Wire sends its full support to Chenal and his family during this time. He will be missed, and we will welcome him back with open arms when he is ready to return to the field.