Getty Image / Jess Rapfogel
It’s been a roller coaster of a career for Chase Young so far. After bursting onto the scene his rookie year, injuries have held back the defensive star.
His knee injury led to him missing most of the 2022 season. For that reason, Ron Rivera details why the Washington Commanders are on the fence about him.
According to Kevin Patra, Washington is still deciding whether or not to pick up Young’s fifth-year option. As it turns out, his knee injury is a big reason why. Ron Rivera explains.
“That’s the thing that will drive a big part of the conversation. As we continue to work through this and talk about it, it will be about seeing him and watching him.”
“Again, we get started April 17, so we’ll continue to work through these things — talk to the doctors, talk to the trainers, strength and medical — and just kind of get a feel for where he is.”
Rivera ends his statement by saying, “Then we’ll be able to make a decision and we’ll go from there.”
It makes sense for the Commanders to be cautious. However, Young was incredibly successful before his injury. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year and made a Pro Bowl appearance.
At the end of the day though, there is no guarantee Chase Young gets back to his former self. On the other hand, he’s still young and could be in for a monster 2023 season.
As Kevin Patra points out, the Commanders have until May 2 to make a final decision on Chase Young. They’ll either opt to give him the fifth-year option or not.
With that said, the Commanders are a team to watch right now, Chase Young’s long-term future is up in the air.