In an eagerly awaited announcement, the New Orleans Saints confirmed that defensive end Chase Young will take to the field when training camp kicks off this week. Coach Dennis Allen revealed on Tuesday that Young will be participating "in some form of practice," marking an important step in his recovery from neck surgery.

Young, 25, joined the Saints on a one-year, $13 million deal back in March. Unfortunately, it was soon discovered that he needed surgery, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming season. However, the Saints management asserts that they were aware of the surgery prior to signing Young and remain optimistic that he will be fully ready for the start of the regular season.

To mitigate the risk, the Saints structured Young's contract to include per-game active roster bonuses. More than half of his salary will depend on his availability and performance game by game. While this approach adds an element of financial motivation for Young, it also shows the organization's confidence in his abilities.

Young's career thus far has been solid yet unspectacular. Joining the league in 2020 as a draft pick for the Commanders, he was subsequently traded to the 49ers in the previous season in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick. With a total of 16.5 sacks throughout his four-year career, Young's breakout moment came during his rookie season when he was named the defensive rookie of the year and earned his first and only Pro Bowl appearance.

This offseason, Young faced lukewarm interest from other teams in free agency, which appears to have fueled his motivation to prove himself. General Manager Mickey Loomis spoke highly of Young's work ethic and determination, noting his impressive commitment to rehab and his strong attitude toward being part of the Saints franchise. Loomis emphasized that Young feels like he has something to prove, particularly as a high draft pick looking to recapture his rookie success.

The Saints management plans to be cautious in handling Young's return, avoiding rushing him back into action before he is fully healed. Loomis emphasized the team's commitment to giving Young the time he needs to recover and regain his peak performance.

In addition to Young, the Saints also expect other injured players to participate in the team's first training camp practice. Defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon, linebacker Nephi Sewell, and tight end Juwan Johnson, who are currently on the active/PUP list, will all be taking part. Receiver Chris Olave, who was placed on the non-football injury list last week due to a back issue, will also be getting some work in.

As the Saints embark on the new season, the fans eagerly await the return of Chase Young and the impact he can make on the team's defense. With Young's determination to prove himself and the Saints' cautious approach to his recovery, the stage is set for an exciting comeback from the talented defensive end.