Star defensive end Chase Young is entering a pivotal season for his NFL career after the Washington Commanders declined his fifth-year option for 2024. Young has endured a tumultuous last couple of years. Thus, he must get back on track during a contract year.
Friday, Young took the field in Washington’s preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns. His night had started well, as he provided pressure and nearly sacked Browns quarterback DeShaun Watson on Cleveland’s opening drive.
However, as the 12-play drive progressed, Young was stationed on the sidelines, getting attended to by the Commanders’ head trainer.
Following the Commanders’ 17-15 win, head coach Ron Rivera said Young “had a little bit of a stinger” at the end of the defense’s first drive, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.
The Commanders made a goal-line stance at the one-yard line, highlighted by Emmanuel Forbes’ stuff on third down.
Neither Young nor the Commanders’ first-team defense played beyond that one drive. He was seen on the sideline engaging with his teammates. Hopefully, the situation is not lingering for the fourth-year pro.
His health is imperative for the Commanders’ season. Also, Young must prove he can stay healthy and produce in a contract year. After winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, Young has played just 12 games over the past two seasons.
He suffered a torn ACL and ruptured patella in 2021 during a Week 9 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He underwent reconstructive surgery on his ACL. The rehab kept the Ohio State product off the final for the first 14 games of the 2022 season.
Young ditched his knee brace to begin training camp this year. He says he feels explosive again. He looked the part with his pressure on Watson. Yet, his progression got halted by the stinge he suffered.
