Commanders lose Dorance Armstrong for Week 1 after suspension

Washington Commanders defensive end Dorance Armstrong. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Commanders lose Dorance Armstrong for Week 1 after suspension

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 14, 2026 4:50 PM ET

The Washington Commanders will be without a key member of their defense for Week 1 in a rematch of the 2024 NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The NFL announced Friday afternoon that Commanders defensive lineman Dorance Armstrong has been suspended for one game for a violation of the league's Personal Conduct Policy.

Armstrong missed most of the 2025 season after tearing his ACL in Week 7.

Now, his first regular-season game back after the injury will be delayed until Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys.

#Commanders edge Dorance Armstrong is suspended for the club’s first regular season game without pay for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. The suspension will begin on August 30 and he will be eligible for reinstatement on Monday, September 14.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 14, 2026

The Commanders defense has been completely revamped

Washington's defense in 2025 was among the worst in the NFL and led to several changes. Head coach Dan Quinn brought in Daronte Jones to be the team's new defensive coordinator, along with a few other changes to the defensive staff.

The Commanders' front office was also ultra-aggressive in signing defensive players during free agency.

Washington added Odafe Oweh, Leo Chenal, K'Lavon Chaisson, Amik Robertson, Nick Cross, Rasul Douglas and Sonny Styles through free agency and the draft.

Dorance Armstrong is expected to be a big contributor on the defensive line

Washington's defensive line is expected to be its biggest position of strength entering the season, and Armstrong was expected to be a key part of that.

Despite missing the last 10 games of the season, Armstrong still collected 24 tackles and 5 1/2 sacks in his limited time.

Washington will need Armstrong to return to his productive form when he comes back from a suspension and returns to his starting role.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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