There was expectation surrounding Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young returning to practice this week following his latest doctor examination on his injured ACL. However, it appears the Commanders are pumping the brakes.
According to JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington, Young will have one more doctor’s visit. If all goes well, Young likely will return to practice next week after the Commanders’ Week 8 game against the Indianapolis Colts. Young has not suffered any setbacks, but the team wants to be cautious and not rush him back.
Young had his ACL injury examined by team doctors before the Commanders’ 23-21 win over the Green Bay Packers last Sunday. Then, the team doctors consulted virtually with famed orthopedic Dr. James Andrews. The visit went well, and there was the belief that the Commanders would activate the 21-day window for Young to return this week.
But, there is no rush to return him. Young had reconstructive ACL surgery on his right knee. Doctors used a graft from Young’s left patellar tendon.
Young suffered the injury on November 14 of last year. His recovery timeframe is a couple of weeks away from a full year.
The Commanders invested heavily in Young, selecting him second overall in the 2020 NFL draft. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year. But he struggled in 2021 with 1.5 sacks in nine games before his season-ending injury.
Washington’s approach has been to make sure he is absolutely ready when he gets back on the field. The Commanders’ pass rush has been one of the best in the league without Young despite their 3-4 record.
Young’s return this season would be a plus but not a must for Washington. Therefore, Washington will wait at least another week before bringing him back to practice.
