The Washington Commanders activated defensive end Chase Young from the physically-unable-to-perform list back on Nov. 21. Yet, Young has not played in a game this season. Each week, head coach Ron Rivera has hinted at Young suiting up but to no avail.
Once again, Rivera opened the door to Young playing this week against the San Francisco 49ers. But it’s anyone’s guess when Young will get on the field.
Young says he is ready to return to the field with his teammates. He added he “definitely” feel closer this week to returning, “But we’ve got a good plan, so I’m just sticking to that,” per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.
Young suffered a torn ACL on November 14, 2021, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s been more than a year since the injury, and despite rehabbing, Young has been unable to suit up.
He acknowledged that “eventually” he will detail the severity of his injury. ESPN’s John Keim adds that the ruptured patellar tendon has been a bigger ordeal to overcome than the torn ACL.
In August, Jordan Schultz of theScore revealed Young ruptured his patellar tendon in addition to the torn ACL. In June, Young spoke about how the surgeon used a graft from his left patellar for his right knee surgery.
The additional information may explain why Young has been on the shelf for 13 months. As the season draws to an end, there is a possibility that Young may not play at all this season.
The Commanders are 7-6-1 on the season with three games remaining. The defense has surged behind its talented defensive line despite Young’s absence.
Chase Young has been on the active roster for a month. However, there are still “ongoing discussions” on the plan for his return, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano. The team and Young prefer to wait until he is completely 100%.
Washington has been steadfast in easing Young in. The 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year is 23 years old and just in his third season. The long-term is far more important than the short-term dealing with such an injury for the No. 2 overall pick in 2020.
