NFL Rumors: Commanders Edge Rusher Could Miss Week 11

The Washington Commanders are apparently exercising utmost caution with their young star. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, edge rusher Chase Young could miss Week 11's matchup with the Houston Texans as he continues to recuperate from a knee injury.

Despite early optimism, it might be too early for #Commanders pass-rusher Chase Young to play this Sunday vs. the #Texans, source said. His 21-day window closes on Nov. 23 and the #Falcons game on the 27th sounds like a better target. He's doing well, just may not be ready yet.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 18, 2022

Young has been unavailable since tearing his ACL in Week 9 of the 2021 regular season. His absence extended beyond a calendar year earlier this week.

At 5-5, the Commanders are surprisingly in contention for a playoff spot in the NFC, so it makes a certain amount of sense to try and assure Young's health for the stretch run. Given the Texans sport a league-worst 1-7-1 record, the Commanders can likely survive at least one more game without their third-year pass rusher.

Young initially joined the Commanders as their second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft after a stellar three-year career at Ohio State in which he tallied 30.5 sacks and 40.5 tackles for loss. He immediately rewarded the Commanders with a Pro Bowl appearance and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award. His eventual return should provide a huge boost to a Commanders defense that already ranks a solid ninth in yards allowed.