Think back to the 2020 NFL Draft…the pandemic draft. No stage show, no pyrotechnics, just players at home getting calls from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and team owners.
Everyone knew that Joe Burrow from LSU was going to be the number one overall pick from the Cincinnati Bengals. As easy as the top pick was to predict, the second overall pick was probably easier.
That second overall pick was Chase Young. The defensive end was selected by the Washington Redskins Commanders, and was labeled as the “most NFL ready” prospect in the draft. There were a few reporters that put out some ideas about other players going there, but it was always going to be Young…because he’s too talented.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesChase Young’s NFL Career So Far
Right off the bat, Young looked the part. In his rookie year, he was named to the Pro Bowl, and won Defensive Rookie of the Year. He started 15 games, recovered 3 fumbles and have 7.5 sacks.
In his second year, he was only able to make 9 starts, after tearing his ACL. In 2022, he missed the start of the season due to the ACL injury. He ended up starting just 2 games, and had no sacks.
During the 2023 season, Young was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. He would gather 2.5 sacks for the 49ers, and help them to reach Super Bowl LVIII. He had a sack against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, but the 49ers ended up losing the game.
How Did Chase Young End Up In New Orleans?
In 2024, Young hit the free agent market for the first time. The market was not as strong as he may have wanted. He ended up signing with the Saints on a one year deal. During the 2024 season, Young played in 17 games, and recorded 5.5 sacks and 31 tackles for the Saints.
Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
His raw talent, and performance, convinced the Saints to resign him to a three year, $51 million deal.
Is Chase Young Injured Again?
But Chase Young hasn’t played a game under this new contract yet. As the team was getting ready for Week 1, Young hurt his calf during practice. It took him out of the Saints’ first matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. Then it cost him their second game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Now, that injury looks like its going to keep him from playing in Week 3 as well.
So the big question, will Chase Young play for the Saints this year?
A calf injury can be a tricky thing. Across all sports, we’ve seen calf injuries lead to Achilles tendon injuries when players try to rush back. So trying to get him back on the field ASAP isn’t a good idea.
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
But Young has had an injury filled early career, so having him miss action just seems like more of the same.
With the team keeping him off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List indicates the Saints believe he will be ready in the next couple of weeks. If they thought Young was going to be out for an extended period, they would add him to the PUP List to get the extra roster spot.
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