Commanders Sign Matt Haack After Tress Way Suffers Pectoral Injury in 2026 Camp

Q: How serious is Tress Way’s pectoral injury, and could Matt Haack end up becoming more than a temporary training camp replacement?

Way’s pectoral injury does not appear serious at this point, and all indications are that Matt Haack was brought in as short-term cover rather than as a true threat to the job. Commanders general manager Adam Peters said Way is expected to miss only the start of training camp, will rehab on the side field, and is not considered a long-term absence. The team did not place him on the PUP list, which is another sign Washington views this as manageable rather than season-altering. Multiple reports describe the injury as something the team is “not too worried” about, with an expectation that he returns well before the regular season if recovery stays on track. That said, Haack’s role could still matter more than a routine camp fill-in. Way is not just Washington’s punter; he is also an important holder on place-kicks, and Haack will likely handle that work while Way is out during a kicking competition. If Way’s recovery lingers, or if the team wants to avoid rushing a 36-year-old specialist with a pectoral issue, Haack could end up punting in preseason games and getting a longer audition than initially expected. Still, the bigger picture favors Way. He is a three-time Pro Bowler, the franchise’s longest-tenured player, and remains firmly established as the starter when healthy. Unless the injury proves more stubborn than the team currently expects, Haack is best viewed as insurance, not a likely replacement.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 28

Matt Haack joined Washington after veteran punter Tress Way was sidelined by a pectoral injury at training camp in Ashburn, giving the Commanders immediate cover at a specialist spot.
Way has been with Washington since 2015, making him the club's longest-tenured player; he signed a one-year deal this offseason.
Adam Peters also said cornerback Trey Amos, who fractured his fibula in November, landed on the PUP list as a precaution after offseason soft-tissue issues and should return soon.
Washington is still exploring receiver help, though team sources said Brandon Aiyuk's recent social media activity could cool interest if he is released; free agent Stefon Diggs is another option after posting 85 catches and 1,013 yards last season.