What should the Commanders expect from Chase Young in Week 2 return at Broncos?

What should the Washington Commanders expect from defensive end Chase Young during his Week 2 return at the Denver Broncos?

After weeks of frustration following another injury complication to Chase Young, fans will finally get to see the explosive pass-rusher suit up for the first time this season at the Denver Broncos this weekend. Many were surprised by the development considering a report from Ben Standig of The Athletic stated that the defensive end would be out until Week 3 at the earliest with a severe stinger.

Things change quickly in the NFL. Young obviously responded better to contact drills after finally getting medical clearance, which left Ron Rivera fully confident that the one-time Ohio State star could make a lasting contribution in a hostile environment.

Commanders could take things easy with Chase Young in Week 2

Not picking up Young's fifth-year option following a torrid run of luck on the health front was the correct call from Rivera and the Commanders. That doesn't mean they've given up on him entirely and the head coach was delighted with the way his edge presence applied himself when it would have been easy to throw in the towel based on his comments via the team's website.

"Yes, very positive. A lot of good things throughout the week and there's a lot of confidence. Obviously, we have to be smart because it is his first introduction to full contact, full speed contact, other than what he had in practice this week. He had a very good week. The young man has worked his tail off and I think he's done the things that they've needed to see. That's the real big positive for us going forward."

- Ron Rivera via Commanders.com

Just what the Commanders and its devoted fanbase can expect from Young in Week 2 remains to be seen. He's kept his conditioning levels high despite the lack of contact, but Rivera might also want to err on the side of caution initially before ramping things up as the campaign progresses.

Washington has an elite defensive front even without Young. Jonathan Allen, Montez Sweat, and Daron Payne spearheaded their Week 1 triumph against the Arizona Cardinals when things weren't clicking offensively, so adding the former No. 2 overall selection into the mix is an embarrassment of riches that can be put to good use.

When discussing the plan for Young, Rivera hinted that the pass-rusher might be on a snap count until they see how he responds to genuine game-day physicality in a competitive setting. That will dictate the player's usage and how much the Commanders will count on him at Mile High Stadium.

"We most certainly have to be aware and have a pitch count, obviously. The biggest thing more than thing else is the young man has just been terrific from day one in training camp, worked his tail off, had the unfortunate [injury] where we had to put him down for a little bit and then now he's back up. He's been working hard. He's done everything he needs to. He's been chomping at the bit, so we're excited for his opportunity."

- Ron Rivera via Commanders.com

Young is clearly relishing the opportunity to get back onto the gridiron and begin silencing some doubters. There is also the added incentive of earning a lucrative extension with improved numbers and more importantly, putting a consistent run of games together without any more problems.

Expectations should be tempered for Young in this one. But if he comes through the game unscathed and has a couple of confidence-boosting moments, there's just no telling what the player might be capable of moving forward before the time for contract talks arrives.