The scariest moment in the NFL this week perhaps came during the Washington Commanders-Seattle Seahawks game, when Commanders linebacker Leo Chenal went down with a scary injury that required Chenal to be carted off the field. Now, an update has emerged on the Washington defender, and while the short-term prognosis for a return will disappoint Commanders fans, the long-term news is a good sign.
According to reports, Chenal suffered a fracture in his neck, and he will undergo season-ending surgery to repair it. However, it was also noted that Chenal currently has feeling in all his extremities, and he is expected to make a full recovery – adding some slightly positive news to what could have ended as a nightmarish injury.
#Commanders LB Leo Chenal,
who was taken off the field with a scary-looking injury on Sunday, will undergo season-ending surgery this morning for a fracture in his neck, per sources. Most importantly, Chenal has feeling in all his extremities, and the expectation is that he’ll… pic.twitter.com/6SsFyefj4D
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 28, 2026
Chenal is in his first season with the Commanders after signing a three-year, $24.75 million contract this past offseason. He appeared in all three games for Washington this year, starting two of those contests, and has recorded 18 tackles this season – including three against the Seahawks before his injury.
Before his tenure with the Commanders, Chenal spent four seasons with the Chiefs after the franchise selected him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He made 65 appearances and 44 starts during his time with Kansas City and helped the franchise win two Super Bowls. He has 236 tackles over the course of his NFL career.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Commanders LB Leo Chenal's status revealed after terrifying injury
