Commanders Edge Rusher to Miss Week 9

The Washington Commanders will have to wait at least another week to see their star pass rusher back on the field. At his Friday press conference, head coach Ron Rivera declared Chase Young out for the team's Week 9 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.

Chase Young had a "very good week," but he won't play this week, Rivera said.

— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) November 4, 2022

Young has been out since suffering an ACL tear in November of last year. His unavailability this week means he could potentially return for a November 14th Monday Night Football matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, one year to the day since his injury. The Commanders' patience with Young speaks to their long-term commitment to the premier edge rusher.

The Commanders have remained surprisingly competitive this year despite Young's extended absence, battling to a 4-4 record and a 15th ranking in points allowed. Young's eventual return should help the front seven jump a level; they've allowed 4.6 yards per rushing attempt while tallying 21 sacks.

Young joined the Commanders as their second-overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft after an incredible three-year stint at Ohio State that included 30.5 sacks and 40.5 tackles for loss. He immediately rewarded the Commanders with a Pro Bowl rookie campaign and an AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award. The team finished second in yards allowed and fourth in points allowed before losing in the Wildcard Round to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 
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