Commanders’ Chase Young (illness, knee) will not play Sunday vs. the Falcons

The Washington Commanders have received two straight and at the moment are firmly within the playoff combine. Washington acquired extra good this previous week once they elevated star go rusher Chase Young to the 53-man roster. Younger, who has been out since tearing his ACL final November, should wait one other week to make his return, nonetheless, as an sickness will maintain him out of Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the Falcons, as reported by CBS Sports activities NFL Insider Jonathan Jones. 

Younger was labeled as questionable for Sunday’s recreation after being a restricted participant in observe all week. 

Younger sustained his knee harm vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers final 12 months on Nov. 14. His 2021 marketing campaign was not as nice as his rookie season, as the previous Ohio State star recorded simply 1.5 sacks in 9 video games performed earlier than his ACL tear. The previous AP Defensive Rookie of the Yr burst onto the scene in 2020, main all rookies in sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (10) and ending tied for first in pressured fumbles (4). 

Younger told CBS Sports again in February that he discovered about his personal internal power throughout his journey on the highway to restoration, and that he needs to return to the enjoying subject higher than ever. 

“I am rather a lot stronger than I assumed,” stated Younger. “I’ve by no means had an harm like this earlier than, and I do know what it should take to get again. I’ve talked to [former Washington LB] Thomas Davis [Sr.] and different individuals who have torn their ACLs. Some folks not simply as soon as, however a number of instances. I am able to tackle that problem and are available again even higher.”

James Smith-Williams will proceed to fill in for Younger within the beginning lineup. A seventh-round choose within the 2020 NFL Draft, Williams has two sacks, 12 quarterback hits and 4 tackles for loss this season. He had 2.5 sacks, 5 quarterback hits and 4 tackles for loss in 14 video games (and 6 begins) final season. 

Regardless of Younger’s absence, Washington at the moment boasts the NFL’s twelfth ranked scoring protection, sixth in opposition to the run and third in third down effectivity. The protection has been led by defensive linemen Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Montez Sweat, who’ve every tallied 6.5 sacks this season. Washington has additionally acquired strong play from security Darrick Forest, who leads the staff with three interceptions and two pressured fumbles.