NFL stars Young, Mayfield, Watt get hurt
Reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young suffered a potentially serious right knee injury on Sunday, putting a damper on Washington’s big win against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 2020 All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt injured a hip in Pittsburgh’s tie with Detroit.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield limped off the field with an injured right knee during a blowout loss at New England, but said he expects to play next week.
Young was injured in the second quarter of Washington’s 29-19 win against Tampa Bay. Young gave a halftime speech to teammates and was back on the sideline later on crutches.
“There’s some concern,” coach Ron Rivera said. “We’ll have him evaluated tomorrow. Potentially an ACL, but we’re not sure yet.”
Young, the No. 2 pick overall out of Ohio State in the 2020 draft, crumpled to the ground with what appeared to be a non-contact injury after trying to get past left tackle Donovan Smith on a pass rush in the second quarter. Young pulled off and threw his helmet while down on the field before he was checked out by team trainers.
A cart was driven onto the field but Young instead motioned to right guard Brandon Scherff to help him stand up. A wincing Young then draped his arms on the shoulders of two people and walked to the locker room with a hitch.
At New England, Mayfield limped off after taking a pair of hits in the third quarter of a 45-7 loss. He said an X-ray after the game showed no structural damage.
“Gotta find a way to get as healthy as possible,” Mayfield said. “Pretty beat up right now. It was just an awkward hit and landing. So, we’ll see. Day by day.”
Coach Kevin Stefanski said Mayfield could have gone back into the game and said the QB wanted to return. The Browns trailed 31-7 at the time Mayfield was hurt. He was 11 for 21 for 73 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Watt injured a hip when he sacked Detroit’s Jared Goff in the third quarter of a 16-16 tie with Detroit and didn’t return. The Steelers also lost left guard Kevin Dotson (ankle), veteran cornerback Joe Haden (foot) and right guard Trai Turner (ankle).
