Chenal injured during game against Seattle Seahawks, team confirms he has feeling in extremities
Category: Sports
Washington Commanders linebacker Leo Chenal was carted off the field with a neck injury during the second quarter of the game against the Seattle Seahawks on September 27, 2026. The injury occurred with 6 minutes and 47 seconds left in the first half when Chenal tackled Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson, appearing to lead with his head.
Medical personnel quickly attended to Chenal, who immediately went down after the tackle. Teammates surrounded him on the field, and the crowd began chanting "Leo! Leo!" in support as he was taken off on a cart. As he approached the tunnel, Chenal raised his left hand, indicating he was alert.
The Commanders later announced that Chenal was taken to a hospital as a precaution. According to a report from Fox Sports, he has feeling in all extremities, which is a positive sign following such injuries. This incident raises concerns, particularly because he was already filling in for Frankie Luvu, who was sidelined with a groin injury. The team was already thin at linebacker due to several injuries, including Jordan Magee, who was placed on injured reserve earlier in the season.
Chenal's injury has drawn attention due to its severity and because of its timing. The linebacker had just signed a lucrative three-year, $24.75 million contract with the Commanders during the offseason after a successful stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he recorded 58 tackles and two sacks last season.
As the game continued, the Commanders were leading 14-7 against the Seahawks late in the second quarter. Following Chenal's injury, second-year linebacker Ale Kaho, who had been elevated from the practice squad, replaced him in the lineup. The situation highlighted the precarious nature of injuries in the NFL, particularly in a sport where players frequently face head and neck injuries.
This incident occurred against the backdrop of increasing scrutiny over player safety in the NFL, particularly concerning head injuries. The league has implemented numerous protocols to protect players from concussions and other serious injuries, yet incidents like Chenal's continue to raise questions about the effectiveness of these measures. Medical professionals have pointed out that the axial loading mechanism, which occurs when force is applied straight down through the crown of the helmet, can lead to serious cervical spine injuries.
In Chenal's case, doctors have indicated that moving his arms and legs is an encouraging sign; it suggests that the spinal cord is still functioning. Nonetheless, they caution that this does not guarantee that he is fully in the clear. Physical therapist Ribu Thomas noted on social media that a "fencing response," where the arms stiffen immediately after a head impact, can indicate a concussion, placing Chenal in the concussion protocol.
The Commanders' coaching staff and players expressed deep concern for Chenal's well-being as they huddled around him on the field. Fox analyst Greg Olsen commented on the game broadcast, saying, "You can see the concern for both teams and from his teammates. This is just every football player’s nightmare. This stadium has gone about completely silent." Such sentiments underline the emotional weight of injuries in professional sports, where camaraderie often transcends rivalries.
As the Commanders move forward, the focus will be on Chenal's recovery and the impact of his absence on the team's defensive strategy. With Luvu already out and Magee on injured reserve, the Commanders will need to reassess their depth at the linebacker position. Kaho's performance in Chenal's absence will be closely monitored as the team prepares for their upcoming games.
The Commanders are scheduled to face the Dallas Cowboys in their next matchup, and the coaching staff will need to make strategic adjustments depending on the availability of their linebackers. Chenal's injury serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll the sport takes on players and the importance of ensuring their health and safety.
In the meantime, fans and teammates alike will be hoping for a swift and full recovery for Chenal. His ability to raise his hand as he was carted off the field has provided some reassurance, but the seriousness of neck injuries cannot be underestimated. The team has yet to provide a detailed update on his condition, but the coming days will be telling as they assess his health and readiness to return to the field.