Chase Young, the Commanders third-year defensive end is nearing the time he will be activated, returning to the playing field.
On November 14, 2021, against the Tampa Bay Bucs, Young injured his right knee. The knee required an ACL reconstruction, more serious than a repaired ACL. A graft from his left patellar tendon was performed to reconstruct the ACL in his right knee.
Perhaps Young is now ready to be activated for the Eagles’ Week 10 or the Texans in Week 11?
On Thursday, head coach Ron Rivera when asked about Young’s practice and health replied, “He looked good. We put him in pass-rush situations to watch him and get a chance to watch him on tape a little bit more. He looked good. It’s good to see him moving around, moving as quick as he is. We’ll see how he is tomorrow morning. It will always be about the next day, how much they work them, the next morning if he is sore or not, will help dictate whether or not we will activate him or not.”
On Friday, when asked about Young’s practicing and soon return, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio responded rather differently. “Well, his energy’s always great. Love having him, so to see him back on the field; He’s able to do some things. I wouldn’t call him full speed at this point in everything he’s doing, but he’s working at it. He’s giving it everything he has, and when he is right, we’re going to play him. But until he is right, we’re not going to play him.”
I don’t know what to make of the difference between the two responses. Yet, isn’t the different reaction in the two NFL veteran linebackers and coaches worth noting?
Perhaps a logical explanation might be that Rivera was commenting on how Young practiced Thursday. Did the extra work cause some fatigue for Young? Therefore, might Young have been a step or two slower on Friday? Is this perhaps to what Del Rio was responding?
We will continue to monitor Young’s progress and hope for his return soon.