Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera and general manager Martin Mayhew met with the media in Ashburn Monday afternoon to preview this week’s 2022 NFL draft. Of course, other topics were discussed, too, such as Washington’s offseason up until this point.
One of the major topics of Washington’s offseason — outside of the trade for quarterback Carson Wentz — is defensive end Chase Young’s health. In November, Young tore his ACL in a Week 10 win over the Buccaneers.
Rivera was confident Young would report to the team for the voluntary offseason program, which began last week. Young did report and is continuing his rehab in Ashburn after spending time in Colorado.
It didn’t take long for Rivera to be asked about Young.
“Well, he has been doing real well,” Rivera said. “He is here today again and it’s a great sight to see. Got an opportunity to spend a little time with him, and he’s fired up. He’s really focused in, and he’s attacking his rehab. I think, as Martin alluded to earlier, an opportunity for him to meet (new head trainer) Al and listen to Al Bellamy and listen to his plan and how he’s mapped things out.”
After Rivera answered the initial question on Young’s rehab, he was then asked if he could provide a timeline for Young’s return.
He politely declined.
“No, we’re not going to put a time limit on anybody’s injuries. All we can tell you is that he’s doing exactly needs to do.”
There will be no “All in for Week 1” for Young and the Commanders.
While it sounds like Young’s rehab is progressing well, Rivera was smart not to give a timeline. Providing a timeline puts pressure on himself and Young if he isn’t ready by a specific date.
The good news for Washington is Young is participating in the offseason program, which is exciting news for the head coach.