Washington Football Team confirm Chase Young injury
Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young left the game on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with what appeared to be a leg injury. Although a cart was brought out, he was able to walk off the field and into the locker room under his own power.
Head coach Ron Rivera confirmed the worst on Monday, saying Young tore his ACL. He will be out for the season and looking to get back onto the field during the 2022 season.
After winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year last season, Young has followed it up with 26 total tackles on 1.5 sacks on the season. He has been able to force a couple of fumbles as well and has two passes defended. Young’s sole solo sack of the year came during the Football Team’s Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
Washington’s defensive front has struggled compared to last season. After being one of the best pass defense teams in the league last season, they now rank in the bottom three in yards allowed and touchdown surrendered.
The sack total numbers have significantly dropped as well, only having 19 on the season, which ranks No. 22 in the NFL. Last season, the Football Team ranked No. 6 with 43 sacks. Losing Young for the season will only weaken their ability to get to the quarterback.
Young, McLaurin injured against Tampa Bay
Young was not the only player to sustain an injury on Sunday.
Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin left Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to an injury. McLaurin took a big hit on a Washington possession, and he left the game and went to the locker room following that series.
Shortly after McLaurin went to the locker room, he was deemed questionable to return with a collarbone injury. He had two receptions for nine yards before leaving the game.
Washington’s offense has been very inconsistent this year with Taylor Heinicke under center, leading to mixed results for McLaurin. Entering Sunday’s game, McLaurin had 43 receptions for 573 yards and four touchdowns. He has three 100-yard receiving games, making up the majority of his production on the year.
Sitting at 3-6, the Football Team is tied for last place in the NFC East with the New York Giants. The Philadelphia Eagles, who are in second place, have a half-game lead thanks to their 4-6 record.
With the NFL adding a seventh team to the playoff bracket this seaosn, Washington’s playoff chances are not totally out of the question. However, losing Young and possibly McLaurin for an extended period of time will not help.
On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this article.