Only four players were absent when the Washington Commanders opened voluntary OTAs last week. One of those players was defensive end Chase Young. Young missed OTAs last season to focus on other opportunities, a development that upset head coach Ron Rivera.
Young recorded just 1.5 sacks on the field last season before tearing his ACL in a Week 10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Young was back in Ashburn for Week 2 of OTAs this week, although he isn’t cleared to compete in on-field drills. Young was briefly spotted on the sideline during Wednesday’s practice. After practice, Young spoke to the media about his recovery.
“Everything is going as planned,” Young said regarding his recovery, per Peter Hailey of NBC Sports Washington. “I’m happy where I’m at, and I’m confident on everything I’m doing going forward.”
Much like his head coach, Young has refused to give a timeline on his recovery, although he’s admitted this year that Week 1 is the plan but offered no guarantees.
As for what he’s able to do currently, Young said he was running and was also able to squat a “substantial amount of weight.”
Young told reporters he is working on the mental side of his game during OTAs, which includes standing next to defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio.
“Standing with Del Rio, listening to every call, watching every guy, what he’s supposed to do,” Young said.
‘I’m runnin’, I’ve squatted some substantial amount of weight.’
Chase seems to be progressing well and says everything is going as planned with his recovery plan. pic.twitter.com/LjaxWuRk1n
— NBC Sports Commanders (@NBCSCommanders) June 1, 2022
Young knows last season was disappointing for Washington and him personally, and he is confident he will respond strongly this fall.
“Things happen in life, and it’s really just how you respond,” he said. “I’m going to respond very well.”