Oregon offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. talks about playing quarterback and going to the Rose Bowl. Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Commanders rookie faces another tough test after brutal showing vs. Micah Parsons

Originally posted on Washington Commanders on SI
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated Sep 19, 2025 10:00 AM ET

Washington Commanders rookie offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. has had a rough start to his NFL career.

While he succeeded in Week 1 against the New York Giants, he struggled in Week 2 in a loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Week 3 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders should also provide a tough challenge.

“Yeah, I mean he's definitely been thrown into the fire. There's no doubt when you talk about the Giants’ front, [Green Bay Packers DE] Micah [Parsons] is as dominant as any player I've seen since I've been in the league," Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said.

"And then you get Mad Maxx [Las Vegas Raiders DE Maxx Crosby] this week, he's got his hands full, but he's progressing as a rookie should, learning along the way on the job, training. And I've been really proud of just the way he’s battled. We’ve got a ways to go as an entire offense, but I like how he's competed and he's gotta keep getting better.”

Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Conerly being tested early for Commanders

In order to get better, Conerly is taking notes from teammate Laremy Tunsil, who has over a decade of experience in the NFL.

The camaraderie between the two are making the Commanders better.

“Yeah, that's been awesome to see LT [Tunsil] really take him under his wing. They get out there early, work on pass sets, talk through things. I know he took him down there to Auburn to work out with him. And that's not anything we asked him to do, that's just the type of person he is," Kingsbury said.

"So, you can tell anytime they're together, they're talking football and he's sharing all the knowledge he has, which will only help Josh battle through this gauntlet of tough defenders he's gone against.”

Conerly and the Commanders are back in action on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET against the Las Vegas Raiders.