Commanders DE Chase Young 'Looked Good' in First OTA Practice

Chase Young is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Washington Commanders.

Chase Young is entering a make-or-break season with the Washington Commanders. 

With the final year of his rookie contract on the horizon after his fifth-year option was declined, the defensive end was at Washington's offseason activities for the first time on Tuesday. 

Young only played in three games in 2022 after recovering from a torn ACL. While Young may have fully recovered from that injury, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said the most important thing for the defensive end this offseason is his health.

"He started to get healthier by the end of the year and played for us in [three] games," Rivera said. "And we just want to see him pick up where he left off. He was starting to play faster and faster and just love to see him get out there and really run around and kind of cut a loose and not be tentative."  

Young showed flashes on his first day at camp. The former No. 2 pick looked good in individual drills and was disruptive in 11-on-11, including what would have been a sack on quarterback Sam Howell if Young was allowed to hit him. 

"I'm pretty confident though because he looked good," Rivera said of potential issues with Young's knee. "He really did. I know the doctors were all positive about everything he's done and again, I know part of the reasoning of him not being around is he wanted to really focus in on just that specifically and he wanted to do that." 

Young has struggled after winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020. He had 7.5 sacks, 44 tackles, four forced fumbles and 12 quarterback hits in 15 games in his rookie campaign. Since then, Young has only played in 12 games and has 1.5 sacks, 31 tackles, two forced fumbles and five quarterback hits. 

Young's future with Washington is uncertain. If his first day at camp is any indication, Young may be fully healthy and will have a chance to play his way into Washington's plans beyond 2023.

---

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Washington Commanders? Click Here.

Follow Commander Country on Twitter.

Want even more Washington Commanders news? Check out the SI.com team page here