Commanders Sign DJ Humphries as Injuries Test Their Offensive-Line Depth

DJ Humphries works at left tackle during his veteran NFL career.

The Commanders sign DJ Humphries at the precise moment their offensive-line depth is being tested. Washington added the veteran tackle Wednesday morning, then went through a joint practice in Baltimore without several of the blockers expected to shape its regular-season plan.

Humphries brings 108 regular-season appearances and 101 starts. Arizona selected him in the first round of the 2015 draft, and he earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. He spent last season with the Los Angeles Rams, appearing in eight games with one start after previously playing for Kansas City.

The signing is more than a résumé addition. Laremy Tunsil attended Wednesday's practice but remains out after tearing his triceps. Sam Cosmi missed the session with an illness, and Nick Allegretti was also unavailable. Washington moved through multiple line combinations while facing a Ravens front that created pressure throughout the day.

Brandon Coleman and Josh Conerly acknowledged afterward that the group has work to do. The Commanders' offense found moments in team drills, including a late touchdown from Jayden Daniels to Jameson Williams, but the line struggled with pressure, false starts and holding calls during much of the practice.

Humphries now has a compressed evaluation window. He must learn the protection language, show that he can still handle speed off the edge and give Washington a trustworthy option on either side of the formation. His experience makes that possible, but the timing does not guarantee a role once injured starters return.

Washington closes the preseason Friday night at M&T Bank Stadium, the same field where Wednesday's problems were exposed in practice. The staff can use that game to evaluate reserve combinations while protecting its starters. One day after Washington's earlier defensive roster shuffle, the Humphries move shows the front office is still working through immediate needs before final cuts.