There aren’t many places where a player missing OTAs [Organized Training Activities] would create the stir it has in Washington. The Commanders have three players who’ve missed the first two weeks of OTAs [Chase Young, Montez Sweat & Charles Leno Jr.], yet Young’s absence has received most of the headlines.
Remember, we must always stress that OTAs are voluntary.
Now, back to Young. The reason it’s a big deal in Washington is that Young has nine career sacks in three seasons after being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. Young was good as a rookie but still had only 7.5 sacks.
Remember when some would criticize Brian Orakpo for not finishing with more sacks? Or when Ryan Kerrigan finished a season with 8.5 sacks.
Another reason Young’s absence has created headlines is because of head coach Ron Rivera. Remember how upset Rivera was in 2021 when Young skipped offseason work? Rivera spoke on the first week of OTAs and reiterated the voluntary nature of OTAs and said he’d been in contact with Young and believed he’d be ready to go.
How are Young’s teammates viewing his absence in what amounts to a massive season for him?
Well, they aren’t saying. And ultimately, they likely do not care if Young shows up and performs in the fall. However, one former NFL player believes Young’s absence could be “frustrating” for his teammates.
Jermon Bushrod played 12 seasons in the NFL, made two Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl. He was a guest on the “Grant & Danny” show on 106.7 The Fan Friday and weighed in on Young’s absence.
“I think when guys don’t show up at OTAs in a situation like Chase is in, I would think it would be pretty frustrating for his teammates,” Bushrod said via Lou DiPietro of Audacy. “I can understand that because this is a guy who has shown flashes of being a decent player, but you get injured, and things happen…and you want to be around the facility.”
Young missed 22 of 34 games over the last two seasons due to a devastating knee injury he suffered in Nov. 2019. Everyone understands Young’s long road back from the injury. It was his lack of production before the injury that was concerning.
Bushrod brought up another interesting point about Young.
“Is this a place you want to be? Are you all in to what this team is doing and trying to be a contributing factor?” Bushrod said. “I can see, from the outside looking in, it could be frustrating to some of his peers. What kind of message are you sending to your teammates and to the front office?”
That’s an excellent question that only Young knows the answer.
Is too much being made of Young missing OTAs? Perhaps. But it’s also fair to question why Young couldn’t show up for at least some of the OTAs.
Ultimately, it’s all about the 2023 season for Young. If he plays well, no one remembers. If he doesn’t, well, it isn’t going to matter, as he’ll be in a different uniform in 2024.
