Commanders' Chase Young OUT vs. Cardinals; Cause For Concern?

Washington Commanders' defensive end Chase Young has been ruled out of the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, but should fans be concerned?

It felt like Washington Commanders' defensive end Chase Young was fighting a losing battle to be fit for the start of the season, and alas, it was a battle he couldn't win.

Despite Young stating earlier in the week, “I’m ready to go. Straight up.” “Feel fine. I’m ready to go," it appears that might not have been the case.

Young was downgraded to out for the clash against the Arizona Cardinals as Washington surely is playing the cautious game with the former Defensive Rookie of Year winner.

In Washington's first preseason game, Young went down with what was described as a neck stinger and has been a slow burn in practice ever since.

Needing final clearance from a doctor to get the go-ahead to play, it appears that Young and Washington didn't get the desired outcome.

But is this a cause for concern?

Geoff Burke-USA Today

At this time of the year, and given it is only the first game, it doesn't make too much sense for the Commanders to push Young into playing if there is a hint of discomfort.

Of course, that goes against what Young stated earlier in the week. Jack Del Rio's unit will again be without Young, but it was something that dealt with relatively easily last season as they ended the year inside the top 10 for points allowed per game.

Another thing to be cautious of is Young's contract status. After not having his fifth-year option picked up, the defensive end needed to make every chance count, and now, he is starting behind the eight ball.

But there is still plenty of football left for Young to make his case for a new contract, but unfortunately, he will have to wait another week to show he is back to the Pro Bowl form of 2020.