For the first time since he got injured on Aug. 11 during a preseason game, Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young was a full participant in practice Thursday. Young has been limited with a stinger, but the upgrade in practice status may go a long way toward him making his season debut on Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
According to The Athletic’s Ben Standig, Young could go in Week 2 if the doctor clears him. Young “felt good” after getting his first dose of contact. If there are no setbacks from now to Sunday, Young could play in Denver if the doctor gives the okay.
Young suffered the stinger after four plays in Washington’s first preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. He’s been limited in practice since. He did not play another preseason down and was inactive for Washington’s Week 1 win over the Cardinals.
Young was cleared by a doctor last Friday. However, the doctor and team devised a plan that prevented him from playing against Arizona. The initial suggestion is for him not to play until Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills.
But Young is progressing. And that may give the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year a chance to play Sunday.
Chase Young has missed 23 games since knee injury
Chase Young is in a pivotal contract year after the Commanders declined his fifth-year option on his rookie deal for the 2024 season. Instead, Young is in a prove-it year. He has missed 23 games since tearing the ACL and rupturing his patella tendon in his right knee in October 2021. He’s played in just 27 NFL games.
His popularity with fans has soured during his absence. Meanwhile, the Commanders’ defense has not missed a beat without Young. That’s primarily due to the team’s stout defensive line led by three other first-round draft picks — fellow defensive end Montez Sweat and defensive tackles Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen.
All three put the Commanders on their backs to rally the team to a 20-16 win on Sunday. Sweat had 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Allen had arguably the best Week 1 game among defensive tackles in the league. Payne also had a sack and fumble recovery.
Young could join the party as soon as Sunday against Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos. Hopefully, all things go well in the next two days. We’ll have to see if the doctor evaluating Young lets him play this week or sticks to the reported initial plan of Week 3.
