Less than 24 hours after the New Orleans Saints signed defensive end Chase Young, it was reported that he’ll need neck surgery.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the current expectation is that Young’s neck surgery will sideline him into training camp.
“The expectation is that he will return in time for the season,” Schefter said. “Teams were aware of his neck issue, and the Saints were comfortable moving ahead with it.”
This neck injury for Young occurred in the preseason opener for the Washington Commanders last year. That didn’t stop him from appearing in 16 games this past season.
In those 16 games, Young had 25 tackles, 15 QB hits, 7.5 sacks and two passes defended. He was traded to the San Francisco 49ers before the deadline.
Young agreed to a one-year, $13 million deal with the Saints on Monday. That contract is reportedly fully guaranteed.
If Young isn’t ready for Week 1 of the 2024 season, that’ll force the Saints to rely heavily on Carl Granderson, Cam Jordan, Payton Turner and Isaiah Foskey at defensive end.
The Saints would obviously love to have Young at their disposal for the entire 2024 season. Why else would they make a $13 million investment?
Saints fans will probably have to wait a while to get an update on Young’s injury.