David Chao, MD
2 min read • July 25, 2022
Posted in
It will not be surprising if Commanders star defensive end Chase Young is not 100 percent to start the season. The former No. 2 overall pick tore his MCL and ACL in his right knee against Tampa Bay on Nov. 14 last season.
With the late-season injury and long recovery process, our team of Pro Football Docs said Young will most likely start training camp on the physically unable to perform list and the season possibly on the injured reserve.
His season SIC score is a 63, meaning he is not going to begin the season healthy but has the chance to round out to form towards the later half of the season. This assessment is similar to what the Docs gave Bud Dupree last season as Titans Bud Dupree needed time to regain full form following ACL surgery.
Young said in February on the Jonah Keim podcast his rehab was going well with him already doing one leg squats on his right knee and jumping.
The Docs noted Young will not be as explosive coming off the edge, especially if he is playing on the left side on the line where he has to rely on his surgically repaired knee.
Before the season-ending injury, the former defensive rookie of the year’s stats were considerably down. He contributed 26 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles and 4 quarterback hits. During his rookie season in 2020, the Ohio State alum dominated with 44 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 12 QB hits and 1 touchdown.
Despite the long road ahead, the Pro Bowler said he plans to be ready for Week 1 though our Docs disagree.
There is no doubt Young will still be a productive member of the Commanders’ defense. He may not be dominating right out of the gate. Pro Football Focus rates Young as the No. 10 edge rusher
It was also a difficult 2021 season for fellow edge rusher Montez Sweat. He only appeared in 9.5 games because of a jaw fracture, a positive COVID test and the tragic death of his brother.
The fourth-year defender’s jaw is not a concern for this season. He has a 95 SIC Score for the year and aims to prove last year’s decline in production was a fluke.
“I really wasn’t as depleted as I usually am because I didn’t play a full season, so I really got straight to it (this off season),” Sweat told reporters at minicamp in June. “I just trained…just focusing on my body, recovery, strength and pass rush skills.”
Washington’s defensive line made up of Sweat, Young, Johnathan Allen and Daron Payne is currently ranked as the No. 2 by PFF. They aim to shake off the disappointing 2021 campaign.
Written by David Chao, MD
