Younger will play a restricted position when the Commanders (7-6-1) play in San Francisco (10-4) on Saturday. This can be a pivotal recreation for Washington, who’s clinching his seventh and closing playoff spot with three video games left.
“Now’s the time,” mentioned Washington coach Ron Rivera, saying Younger’s return to the lineup.
Younger tore his proper ACL and torn his patellar tendon final season in opposition to Tampa Bay on November 14. His tendon tear protracted his restoration. Over the previous few weeks, the group and Younger have been optimistic early within the week, however that has calmed down after just a few days of observe.
They wished him to have the boldness to kick off his ft and have the ability to deal with blockers and double groups. However what they typically noticed was hesitation. On Sunday, Younger met with Dr. James Andrews, who carried out his surgical procedure. Andrews advised him his knee was effective.
At that time, Washington virtually actually knew Younger would make his debut in opposition to the 49ers. They only wished to get by means of the week to substantiate.
“Assembly Dr. Andrews was the very last thing he did to recover from the hump,” Rivera mentioned. “He practiced with confidence. He confirmed us his willingness to stay that foot within the floor and roll it, plant it, chop it off. He had a great week, so we’re all about it.” I am fairly excited.”
Rivera says Younger will likely be restricted to about 12 to 16 snaps.
“On daily basis I really feel higher. On daily basis I really feel stronger and extra snug,” Younger mentioned Wednesday.
Younger returned to observe on November 2 and was positioned on a 53-man roster on November 21. Two days after that, Younger was requested what he would add when he returned.
“Chase Younger,” he mentioned.
He later mentioned that even a restricted snap may be efficient.
“Capturing, 16 performs, one in every of them may very well be a recreation play. You by no means know,” he mentioned. .”
Younger was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the 12 months in 2020 with 7.5 sacks, 4 compelled fumbles and three fumble recoveries. However final season he managed 1.5 sacks and he may solely handle two compelled fumbles earlier than he obtained damage.
He’ll return to the defensive position that has fueled a lot of Washington’s success. Defensive sort out John Allen was named the Professional Bowl starter, and his fellow tackles Daron Payne (first substitute) and finish Montes Sweat (second substitute) had been talked about as nicely.
“It is not like you need to convey a participant off the road and match him,” Jeff Zgonina, defensive position coach, mentioned earlier this month. It is nothing new, it is simply one other instrument, that is all.”
