Commanders News: Chase Young, Ron Rivera, Joe Theismann and Sam Howell

Doubts surrounding Commanders DE Chase Young

There are some concerns surrounding whether Chase Young will be ready for Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. The defensive end suffered a stinger during the Washington Commanders' first preseason game against the Cleveland Browns and although he's participating in drills, has not yet been cleared for full contact.

According to head coach Ron Rivera, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft is scheduled for an important doctor's appointment to hopefully move things forward. Until then, the figurehead stated via Deadspin that it's a waiting game for all involved.

"The guy is practicing and doing everything we need him to do right now as he's getting ready for the opener. I have no idea what the doctor's going to do, but I do know right now that he's told him he can continue to progress and get himself ready to go. Until then, there's nothing we can tell you, nothing we can say."

- Ron Rivera via Deadspin

Young hasn't been placed on short-term injured/reserve like Phiarian Mathis and Efe Obada, so there remains hope everything gets the green light and he can take the field in Week 1. This is a big season for the player after the Commanders didn't pick up his fifth-year option thanks in no small part to health problems, so missing the regular-season opener is the last thing anyone needs.

This must have been a substantial blow to begin with and the Commanders will always err on the side of caution given Young's injury history. But the clock is ticking.