Commanders' Chase Young Expects to Be Ready for Training Camp After Torn ACL Injury

Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young had his 2021 season cut short by a torn ACL, but he is optimistic about his recovery.

Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post reports that Young said his rehab is progressing and he believes he'll be recovered in time to participate in training camp this summer.

Young suffered the injury on Nov. 14 in Washington's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jhabvala noted that Young was walking around without a knee brace. He said that he started jogging a bit and he's working with a trainer in Colorado Springs.

Young is one of the most promising defensive players in the NFL. In nine games last season, Young recorded 26 total tackles, 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 after notching 44 tackles with 7.5 sacks.

In Washington, Young is a part of a daunting defensive line. He plays alongside fellow former first-round picks Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and Montez Sweat. But they were among the multiple players on the team who had trouble staying healthy last season.

While dealing with a string of injuries to key players, Washington finished the year with a 7-10 record. The team was in the playoff race in the NFC for a while, but it lost four of its last five games.

Washington will have the No. 11 pick in this year's NFL draft. The team could be in the market for a quarterback despite Taylor Heinicke's solid performance last season.