The Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young expected to be cleared for contact by doctors in order to play in Sunday’s season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Young was cleared. However, the fourth-year pro has been downgraded to out for Week 1.
Whats more discouraging, Young is not expected to play until at least Week 3, per The Athletic’s Ben Standing.
Young missed 22 games the previous two seasons with a torn ACL and ruptured patella tendon. Washington declined Young’s fifth-year option for the 2024 season in the offseason, making this season a pivotal contract year for the former No. 2 pick overall.
Young came into training camp feeling good. He even ditched his knee brace. Unfortunately, he suffered a stinger in Washington’s first preseason game and had been out since.
Since he is cleared, the team wants to see how he responds to contact after not being a full participant in practice for nearly a month.
Hopefully, his absence won’t be long and he is able to return to his 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year form. His next contract depends on it.
