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By Ross Jackson
After five long weeks, New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young is in line to make his debut on the team’s defensive line this weekend against the New England Patriots. Young missed each of the first five weeks of the season due to a calf injury which he suffered during the first regular season practice of the year.
It’s been a challenging journey as he and the team managed his recovery and kept progress close to the vest while remaining optimistic about his return. That path now culminates in his first action in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s scheme.
“I think all of us feel it,” said Staley in the reaction to Young’s return to practice. “(We’re) really happy that he’s out on that field and I know how hard he’s worked to get back. So he’ll definitely be a big addition for us.”
The expectation is that Young will be right at home in the new system, though it may take time to settle in. Regardless, head coach Kellen Moore believes that Young’s impact will be felt immediately.
“There’ll be some juice and excitement for him just to get out there,” he said during his Friday media availability. “I think it’ll bring all the other guys a little more juice, as well.”
The Saints are coming off of their first win of the season against the New York Giants, a game in which the defense forced five consecutive turnovers. While the Saints aren’t likely to repeat that level of production against the Patriots, no team would be, it’s clear that Young can help the New Orleans defense have another standout performance if he is to see an immediate full workload.
“You got four players that will rotate a healthy dose in there,” Moore said. “I think that’ll be great to keep those guys fresh and ready for these passing situational rushes.”
Look for third down to be a key part of Young’s role against second-year Patriots passer Drake Maye. If New Orleans can force some third and long circumstances, the disruptive edge rusher appears likely to be cut loose.
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