As the 2022 season begins, the Commanders are still missing one of their finest edge rushers. Chase Young, the team’s third-year player, and former No. 2 overall pick, is still on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list after suffering a horrific ACL injury to his right knee last season. He was barred from playing in the team’s first four games of the 2022 season under NFL regulations, but he may return after Week 4.
That was not the case, as Washington continues to put his health over his return. While the Commanders would undoubtedly like Young to return to the lineup, it is evident that the organization will not rush his recuperation. In any case, Young’s return to the defensive lineup would be a welcome addition to a squad in need of a spark as the season winds down.
With that, The Sporting News examines what occurred to Chase Young, his recovery timeline, and when he might be able to return to the Washington Redskins.
What Happened to Chase Young?
Young tore his ACL in his right knee against the Buccaneers in Week 10 of last season, on Nov. 14, 2021. The injury occurred during a regular pass-rush, and he was taken down with a non-contact injury:
Here’s my angle on it. Chase Young injury. Get well soon, 99. pic.twitter.com/GJkVoejASM
— Damien Bartonek (@tvBartonek) November 14, 2021
Chase Young is down on the field after the previous play. pic.twitter.com/wnNh8ial5k
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 14, 2021
Young will miss the rest of the season after tests revealed a ruptured ACL in his right knee. It has also kept him out of Washington’s training camp and the first half of the 2022 season.
Young underwent ACL reconstruction surgery in November, performed by sports surgeon James Andrews. According to the Washington Post, surgery is not like a conventional repair:
In November, the defensive end underwent an ACL reconstruction in which famed sports surgeon James Andrews used a graft from Young’s left patellar tendon to reconstruct the ligament in his right knee. The procedure is subtly different from an ACL repair, in which a surgeon reattaches the torn ligament to the bone. Recovery from a repair is often shorter than a reconstruction.
While an ACL repair would have been less intrusive and likely resulted in a shorter recovery time, a full reconstruction would have brought Young closer to 100 percent.
You can also take a look at the Bryce Harper and Anthony Davis’ injury report we have brought for you below:
- Bryce Harper Injury: When Will he Return to the Field?
- Update on Anthony Davis Injury: Will He Be Available For Game 6?
When Will Chase Young be Back?
The Commanders placed Young on the Reserve/PUP list on Aug. 23, according to the Post. This is a classification for players who are projected to miss time during the regular season.
According to NFL regulations, any player added to that list will not count toward the team’s 53-man roster but will be required to sit out the first four games of the season (as opposed to six in prior years).
Young could have technically returned to action after the team’s Week 4 loss to the Cowboys, according to NFL regulations. Despite a 1-4 start, the squad is not hurrying his return. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the organization is hoping for a midseason comeback for the pass-rusher.
Young was not activated for Washington’s Week 10 Monday night game against the Eagles, according to Rapoport, but he could be available for Week 11 against the Texans.
The #Commanders are not activating star pass-rusher Chase Young off IR for tonight's game against the #Eagles, source said. Young, coming back from an ACL tear, is close to being ready and there is a real chance he makes his debut next week if all goes well at practice this week.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 14, 2022
Edge Rusher Depth Chart for the Commanders
Young isn’t the only Commander defensive lineman who has missed time this season. Phidarian Mathis, a rookie second-round draft pick, tore his meniscus in his left knee against the Jaguars in Week 1, forcing him to be placed on injured reserve.
Mathis, on the other hand, is more of an interior lineman. Young is an edge rusher who was ranked third on the depth chart prior to his return. On the depth chart, James Smith-Williams and Shaka Toney are ahead of him, while Montez Sweat, Efe Obada, and Casey Toohill are on the other side of the base 4-3 formation:
| Player (position) | Place on depth chart |
|---|---|
| James Smith-Williams (LDE) | 1 |
| Shaka Toney (LDE) | 2 |
| Chase Young (LDE) | 3 |
| Montez Sweat (RDE) | 1 |
| Efe Obada (RDE) | 2 |
| Casey Toohill (RDE) | 3 |
Sweat and Obada each have three sacks as of Week 10, while Smith-Williams has two. Darryl Payne (5.5) and Jonathan Allen (4.5) lead the club in sacks, while linebacker Jamin Davis has three as well.
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