Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young’s second season in the NFL has been cut short after the 22-year-old tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Sunday’s 29-19 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to US media reports.

The reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year crumpled to the ground with a non-contact injury in the second quarter, according to NFL Network Insider. After the injury, Young walked into the locker room with help from trainers and did not return to the game. Washington, who were up 13-0 at the time of Young’s departure, held on for the thrilling upset.

Although later, Young did return to the scene, emerging from the tunnel and making his way to the home sideline while using crutches and wearing sweats midway through the third quarter.

After the game, coach Ron Rivera had said, “Potentially an ACL, but we’re not sure yet.”

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Young had a decent, though ordinary nine games in 2021 after a fantastic first season in the pros (7.5 sacks, 12 QB hits, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and a touchdown). The former No. 2 overall selection concludes his second NFL season with 1.5 sacks, four quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and one season-ending ligament injury.

Meanwhile, the team’s other starting defensive end, Montez Sweat, is on injured reserve with a broken jaw.

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Rivera acknowledged this week that Sweat’s absence would put more of a burden on Young.

Which is why, the coach said, he told his player heading into the Bucs game: “Now’s when you really got to play your game. Now you’ve really got to stick to being disciplined.”

With inputs from the Associated Press