The Washington Commanders were busy last offseason, signing several new starters on both sides of the ball, specifically on defense, with an emphasis on getting younger and faster in 2026. One of those new additions was linebacker Leo Chenal. After four years with the Chiefs, Chenal appeared in 68 games for Kansas City, making 46 starts. Alongside Frankie Luvu and rookie Sonny Styles, Chenal was supposed to help transform Washington’s linebackers into one of the league’s best.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see that come to fruition in 2026. In Washington’s Week 3 upset win over the Seattle Seahawks, Chenal suffered a scary neck injury in the second quarter. He was carted off the field and taken to a local hospital. The Commanders revealed that Chenal suffered a fracture in his neck and underwent season-ending surgery.

Head coach Dan Quinn gave an update on Chenal after the surgery.

“Leo had surgery this morning, and it went well,” Quinn said. “That’s a big deal. He is a great teammate and has been a really significant addition for us both on and off the field. So, man, that was good news to hear, just a little bit ago.”

Chenal also posted an update, telling his followers that surgery went well and that he was thankful for everyone’s love and support.

This past week, Chenal posted on Instagram, saying he missed football but felt blessed to have his family, the grace of God, and the doctors and nurses who had taken excellent care of him.

These past few weeks, I have been missing football and wanting to get on the field and strap it up again this season. All that’s been going through my mind is playing football and missing it. But how blessed am I to be here with my baby girls. To be able to go on long walks with them and to pick them up and to hold them. Thank you, Jesus. To come so close to never having that again, but through the grace of God and some amazing doctors and nurses who took great care of me, I do.

Here’s the original message from Chenal, which included several pics of him with his wife and kids.

Styles was one of many who “liked” Chenal’s post.

We here at Commanders Wire continue to wish Chenal the best in his recovery.