What to Expect From Chase Young in His Return From Multi-Ligament Tear

Washington Commanders third-year defensive end Chase Young will make his much awaited return to game action against the 49ers in Week 16, more than 13 months after suffering a torn ACL and patella tendon in his right knee.

The 2020 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year underwent surgery on both knees in November 2021 and initially wore a brace on both knees while recovering.

The surgery on his healthy left knee was to harvest his only intact patella tendon for the ACL reconstruction in his right knee, according to the Pro Football Docs. Typically, surgeons take the patella tendon from the same knee for the repair, but Young tore his ACL and patella tendon in his right knee.

Cadaver tissue is not as reliable as one’s own tissue, thus taking the left knee patella tendon was the next logical option.

Young will likely see limited snaps against San Francisco and is unlikely to return to 100% by the end of the regular season or playoffs. The 23-year-old has endured a long road of rehab for both knee surgeries and is still rounding those knees into game shape. 

He had 7.5 sacks, 44 combined tackles and 10 tackles for a loss in 15 games in his rookie season, then 1.5 sacks, 26 combined tackles and 3 tackles for a loss in 9 games before injury last season.

Getting a fraction of those numbers this season would be a big step for Young and the Commanders, who currently hold the last NFC Wild Card spot at 7-6-1.

James Smith-Williams, Casey Toohill and Efe Odaba have taken on increased roles with Young out and will likely have a shot at a rotation role with Young. Washington ranks 16th this season with 34 sacks.

Commanders vs. 49ers Week 16 Odds

The Commanders are 7-point underdogs on the road against the 49ers and the over/under is 37.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Washington is currently +205 to make the playoffs and -260 to miss the playoffs.

Through Week 15, our SIC staff is 50% on player props and 54% on live bets.

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