Washington DE Young out for 2021 season due to torn ACL

Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young is about to miss the remainder of the NFL 2021 season. Washington head coach Ron Rivera confirmed that the pass rusher tore his ACL in last Sunday’s 29-19 win over the defending Super Bowl champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Young hurt his knee in the second quarter when he tried to rush Buccaneers star quarterback Tom Brady. He was fended off by offensive lineman Donovan Smith, after which he ended up on the grass visibly in pain.

ACL tear to need surgery

He was inspected by team trainers and was set to be carted off the field, but he instead stood up and asked for assistance to walk to the sideline and locker room. There were initial fears that the 22-year-old had torn a ligament, and further tests needed to be conducted to either confirm or rule it out.

With the diagnosis now official, and with surgery in the works, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year will be moved to injured reserve. The extent of his knee injury and his ability to rehabilitate it will determine whether he will be able to return for the 2022 season.

Washington will feel the loss of the 2020 number two draft pick, as he has started all of the team’s games in the season so far. He has notched 25 tackles, two forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks this year.

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Washington's diminished lineup

This is the second season-ending injury that has plagued the Washington Football Team. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is also expected to be sidelined for the rest of the reason after hurting his hip in Week 1. Fitzpatrick is still trying to manage pain and swelling, and has not yet reached the point where he can undergo rehabilitation.

Washington will also be missing the services of their other starting defensive end Montez Sweat who has broken his jaw and sits on the injured reserve list.