NFL Hands Down Suspension to Commanders Edge-Rusher

The Washington Commanders have imposed a suspension on their veteran defensive lineman, Dorance Armstrong, for the first game of the 2026 NFL season. The league's Personal Conduct Policy led to this decision, with Armstrong facing a pay cut as a result. The ban will commence on August 30 and Armstrong is set to be reinstated on September 14.

According to reports from Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, the suspension stems from charges of misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury and resisting arrest that Armstrong allegedly committed on May 10, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. However, it is still uncertain whether Armstrong would have been prepared to play in Week 1, as he is still recovering from a torn ACL that he sustained in Week 7 of the previous season.

Armstrong signed a three-year contract with the Commanders prior to the 2024 season. During his tenure with the team, he has been a standout performer, accumulating 63 tackles, 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pass defensed. Armstrong's professional journey began when he was selected in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.

Over the course of his initial six years with the Cowboys, he amassed 169 tackles, 23.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and four pass defensed. Prior to his time with the Commanders, Armstrong played college football at Kansas, where he earned First-team All-Big 12 honors with 141 tackles, 15.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and four pass defensed from 2015 to 2017.