Byron Young was listed as questionable with a knee injury ahead of last year’s NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks. As we turn the corner into the new year, the Los Angeles Rams continue to manage Young’s knee.
Young received his first day off in training camp as early as the second day. He’s on a similar approach to that of quarterback Matthew Stafford:
Byron Young:
“I practiced yesterday, but don’t want to do too much to overload our workload,” Young said. “We got a plan to just take
some time and get back there in a couple of days. But just day by day, we’re trying to last for 17 games and postseason. … It’s the same knee. It was challenging, but at the same time I trust the training staff. It’s been something I was dealing with for years now and they always came through for me.”
Sean McVay:
“It’s no different than Matthew,” McVay said. “We have guys that have accumulated a bunch of snaps, and the goal is, let’s be proactive instead of reactive. So we’ve always looked at him as a guy that kind of fits in that tier one category, similar to what we do with Matthew.”
Read into the situation however you want. Some will call this smart treatment of one of the defense’s most important players. Others will say that it’s curious that Young is still sidelined by an injury that occurred more than six months ago.
One thing that is certain is the knee injury will likely complicate Young’s future in Los Angeles. Entering a contract year, it’s fair to wonder whether the Rams intend to sign him even with the injury aside. Young is a great second EDGE player. He made the most of favorable opportunities while opposing offenses paid extra attention to Jared Verse. He’s clearly second fiddle to Myles Garrett, although anyone would be.
And then there’s the fact that Young is already 28 years old after entering the NFL as an older college prospect. There are several factors that point to him being one-and-done in Los Angeles from a contract standpoint. Smart money may suggest letting another franchise make that investment.
It’s not like the cupboard would be completely bare in the EDGE room if Young moves on in 2027. Garrett is now secured long-term. Josaiah Stewart was as efficient as any rookie pass rusher a year ago. He should be primed for a larger workload in his second season. If the Rams like what they see, that may make their decision on Young more straightforward.
Young’s injury may not matter in regards to 2026. It almost certainly already matters when it comes to a new contract and his status within the team beyond this season.
It’s a situation worth keeping an eye on.
