Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera met with the media Friday before their Week 2 game against the Denver Broncos. Rivera led off his presser by answering a question about defensive end Chase Young’s availability for Week 2.
Rivera confirmed Young would be on the field against the Broncos.
Throughout much of his Friday media session, Rivera answered questions on Young. It’s obvious Rivera remains excited about Young’s potential; it’s just about staying healthy.
Over the past year, Rivera has seemed frustrated when questioned about Young. Not frustrated with Young or his injury, but with the repeated questions he’s already answered.
On Friday, he was ready to turn the page to Young’s return.
“The young man has worked his tail off, and I think he’s done the things that they’ve [the doctors] needed to see,” Rivera said. “That’s the real big positive for us going forward…….The biggest thing more than anything else, is the young man has just been terrific from day one in training camp.”
What is Rivera looking for from Young in his return?
“I think right off the bat, just being consistent,” Rivera said. “It’s unfortunate because he had a really good camp; he had some really good practices against our offense as we were leading up to the opener in the preseason. So when we saw him, wow, and then the play, if he doesn’t have the stinger, it’s a sack. There’s a lot of promise this year, and really, there is a lot of excitement. His mentality and his approach to everything has been just what you’re looking for.”
The 2020 NFL defensive rookie of the year has just 1.5 sacks over the past two injury-filled seasons. However, Young looks healthier than ever, and the Commanders hope he and Montez Sweat can terrorize quarterbacks all season long.