The Commanders are riding high this week, having knocked off the 8-0 Eagles on "Monday Night Football" behind Taylor Heinicke. Heading into Sunday's Week 11 bout with the Texans, they could have something else to get excited about: The return of 2020 No. 2 overall pick Chase Young.
Young tore his ACL and MCL on Nov. 14, 2021 against the Buccaneers, and he hasn't played since. The Commanders have missed him, currently ranking 16th in the NFL in sacks with 24.
Young is anticipated to return this Sunday against the Texans, per Adam Schefter, which should help them up front.
Sources: Chase Young — the former No. 2 pick in the 2020 draft who was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year — is expected to be activated this week to play Sunday in his first game since tearing his ACL and MCL in a game against the Buccaneers last November. A boost for Wash D.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 15, 2022
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Per ESPN's John Keim, that status is still dependent on how practice goes.
If all goes well in practice he will play. https://t.co/WQLl38vnO0
— John Keim (@john_keim) November 15, 2022
Young, an Ohio State product, logged 1.5 sacks in nine games last year after putting up 7.5 sacks as a rookie and winning Defensive Rookie of the Year. He also forced four fumbles in 2020 while recovering three and scoring a touchdown.
The Commanders are undoubtedly hoping to get the rookie version of Young.
"We won't play him unless we feel he's ready to roll," Commanders coach Ron Rivera said last Saturday, via ESPN. "There are some things he's not comfortable doing."
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Ultimately, the Commanders appear to be taking a conservative approach with Young. But at 5-5 they suddenly find themselves just half a game back of the 49ers in the NFC playoff picture. The sooner they get him back, the sooner they can compete at full strength. That's undoubtedly an enticing prospect.