Jack Del Rio lays down the gauntlet to Commanders DE Chase Young

Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio laid down the gauntlet to edge rusher Chase Young heading into the 2023 season.

There was a lot made of Chase Young's absence from Washington Commanders OTAs on Tuesday. The defensive end opted not to join his teammates for voluntary workouts, which provoked some heated debate among the fans despite how relatively early we are in the 2023 preparation period.

It's been a frustrating time for Young of late. He's gone from a generational prospect to a potential draft bust in double-quick time, so one could argue that he's in no position to be missing practice - voluntary or not - ahead of his fourth season in a professional environment.

On the other hand, Young's never turned up for voluntary OTAs before, so why start now? It might be sending the wrong message to a certain extent, but skipping this portion of workouts will be inconsequential if the Ohio State product enjoys a bounce-back campaign free of injuries next time around.

Young finds himself in a precarious situation. To put it mildly.

Jack Del Rio lays down gauntlet to Commanders DE Chase Young

With 12 games and 1.5 sacks in the two seasons following his NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year success, the Commanders opted not to pick up his fifth-year option. Nobody really complained about this conclusion given the player's current career trajectory.

When discussing Young's status heading into the 2023 campaign via Matthew Paras from the Washington Times, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio laid down the gauntlet in no uncertain terms. Advice that should be taken on board in the biggest way imaginable.

"It's a production business. For Chase, coming off a major injury, making it back late last year, not really fully himself, so hopefully he's able to find that peace of mind where he can really let it rip and give it his very best. Most guys get irritated by it. Have a little edge to 'em. And that's not a bad thing. You know it's just reality. The team is making a big investment and already has in some respects, so yeah, go out and earn it. Just like Daron [Payne] did."

- Jack Del Rio via Twitter

Sure, Young not turning up for OTAs isn't great in his current situation. Montez Sweat and Charles Leno Jr. also failed to attend, but not much has been made of this due to their dependability and consistency.

Young will be ready to rock when the mandatory portion of the offseason gets here. What comes after that is down to him with his career prospects hanging in the balance.

The Commanders are taking a risk by letting Sweat and Young both see out their contracts at the same time. If both notch double-digit sacks or better in 2023, then keeping both happy is almost impossible considering what's already been committed to Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne on the defensive line interior.

This is all about how much Young wants it. The player appears fiercely determined to silence some ongoing doubters if his offseason interviews are any indication, but actions speak much louder than words at this juncture.

Anything less would be an absolute catastrophe for Young and the Commanders. It's also likely to make their decision regarding his long-term prospects an easy one.

Del Rio will do his best. But as the old saying goes...

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.