This is a big season for Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young. Washington declined to pick up Young’s fifth-year option for 2024, meaning he’ll be a free agent after the upcoming season.
Young missed 22 games over the past two seasons due to a severe knee injury and was at Wednesday’s opening training camp practice without a knee brace.
This is a big step forward for Young.
This is a great sign. Chase Young is no longer wearing a knee brace on his right knee. pic.twitter.com/uzfb7RDYk0
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) July 26, 2023
At Wednesday’s press conference, head coach Ron Rivera commented that he was pleased with Young.
No one questioned that Young’s knee was structurally sound, but when you undergo such a severe injury, it takes some time to trust that knee again. Last season, it appeared Young was tentative at times. Remember, Young’s knee injury was more than just an ACL — already a severe injury.
A healthy and motivated Young is good news for the Commanders. Young and fellow defensive end Montez Sweat are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents next offseason.