Chase Young was not expected to return for the start of the Commanders’ season. The team’s Tuesday transaction involving the standout defensive end will ensure he is not back until October.
Washington moved Young from the active/PUP list to the reserve/PUP list today, a decision that will sideline the third-year pass rusher for at least the season’s first four games. Teams can begin designating reserve/PUP players today; Washington also moved offensive lineman Tyler Larsen to that list.
It is unsurprising the team is being cautious with the former Defensive Rookie of the Year. Young suffered a torn ACL on Nov. 14, 2021. Beginning the season on the Commanders’ PUP list will extend his recovery timetable to nearly 11 months. Young, 23, will miss games against the Jaguars, Lions, Eagles and Cowboys.
Last season brought a step back on multiple fronts for Young, who played a major role in lifting Washington to the 2020 NFC East title. Prior to the injury, the Ohio State product registered just 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hits in nine games. As a rookie the year prior, the No. 2 overall pick totaled 7.5 sacks and forced four fumbles, returning one for a touchdown.
Washington dealt with injuries to Young and Montez Sweat last season, one that featured the same number of wins as its 2020 campaign (seven) but a finish well back of the division-leading Cowboys. This could be the final year the team deploys its starting D-line of the past two seasons, with Daron Payne in a contract year. Sweat is signed through 2023, via the fifth-year option, and Young will become extension-eligible in January.
A 2022 bounce-back year will obviously help put Young in position to become one of the league’s highest-paid defenders, but his journey back will not involve game action for a bit.
Next up, he’ll want a new contract and demand to be the highest paid at his position.
Chase will now be out at least 4 games and give him 2 to shake off the rust, he has already lost half the year. Chase Young will have only played a year and half out of three, the young man needs to be more concerned about the Commanders exercising his 5th year option.
Similar deal w/ the Chargers safety that just got paid.
Too bad Mike Shanahan isn’t there. He would make him play thru it and ruin his career.
You’d rather have him later than have him now. Smart move to continue the rehab and make sure he’s actually back instead of hoping he’s a piece early only to realize he’s still coming back.
It would be interesting to know why every one of Washington’s defensive lineman all played like crap last year.
obviously a combination of things. speaking from only watching a few games. I don’t think they could blitz 2nd or 3rd line as well. 2020 they were 2nd in defense vs pass. 2021 4th from bottom. rushing defense improved 2020 to 2021. so teams passed a lot more, more first downs, more time on field. id be interested to see time of possession comparisons, but pro-ref and nfl don’t easily have that.