5 winners and losers from Commanders 2023 training camp Week 1
By Dean Jones
Winner No. 2
Chase Young - Commanders DE
After all the headlines, rumors, and speculation, it was probably a relief for Chase Young to focus primarily on football matters once again at training camp. The Washington Commanders brought this on themselves by declining his fifth-year option, but they had no alternative when one considers how things have unfolded for the defensive end over the last two years.
That is in the past. Young is all about focusing on the future and certainly looks back to his old self if the first week of training camp was any indication.
The former No. 2 overall selection out of Ohio State is practicing without his infamous knee brace and looks explosive getting off the block according to those in attendance. Something that's drawn praise from head coach Ron Rivera and given the fanbase renewed hope Young could be in line for a genuine bounce-back campaign in 2023.
Having Young healthy and reinvigorated means everything. You can see the energy increase whenever he steps onto the field and his teammates are clearly relishing the prospect of having him firing on all cylinders.
The next big challenge for Young is responding well to the pads going on in the coming days. If he comes through this stage of preparations unscathed and continues to perform at a high level, there's just no telling what he might be able to accomplish.
And that should be a scary thought for any offensive line in Washington's path next season.