Title: Washington Commanders’ Chase Young’s Season Opener Uncertain Due to Injury
Date: August 31, 2023
Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young’s availability for the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals remains uncertain following a stinger injury suffered during the preseason opener. As of now, Young has not been medically cleared for contact by doctors, raising concerns about his status for the upcoming game.
Despite the setback, Young has continued to practice with the team, albeit without participating in full-contact activities. He has been limited to full-team work during practice sessions without shoulder pads. Head Coach Ron Rivera expressed uncertainty about Young’s situation, stating, “I have no idea what the doctor’s going to do, but I do know right now that he’s told him he can continue to progress and get himself ready to go.”
The Commanders will receive an update next week after a further examination by doctors to determine Young’s progress. Washington will also release its first injury report ahead of the September 10 season opener. Insiders familiar with the situation mentioned that Young’s injury may not be as severe as initially thought, but his availability remains uncertain for the Cardinals game.
Interestingly, the team opted not to place Young on injured reserve and has expressed confidence in his recovery process. This decision suggests that Washington must be optimistic about his potential return within four weeks.
Young had been performing exceptionally well during the summer, recovering from a torn ACL and ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee sustained in November 2021. He returned for the final three games of the previous season and showcased his skills without wearing a knee brace in training camp, indicating that he felt like his old explosive self.
Unfortunately, Young’s potential absence for the opener adds to Washington’s injury concerns, as another defensive end, Efe Obada, was recently placed on injured reserve due to a patella issue with his knee. Obada held a significant role as Washington’s top reserve end. Nevertheless, the Commanders still possess talent in the form of Montez Sweat, along with veteran backups Casey Toohill and James Smith-Williams.
As the Commanders await further updates on Young’s condition, the team is hoping for positive news and a swift recovery for their star defensive end, who has showcased immense potential in his young career.