The Dallas Cowboys open the 2022 regular season in just a few short weeks. A Sunday Night Football clash against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is the first challenge for the Cowboys.

Then, the Cowboys take on the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders. Getting off to a fast start will be key for the Cowboys as the team waits on the likes of Michael Gallup to return to the playing field.

Fortunately for Dallas, it looks like that fourth game just got a little bit more manageable for the Cowboys. That is because the Commanders have placed star pass rusher Chase Young on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

The #Commanders have moved pass-rusher Chase Young to Reserve/PUP, meaning he’s out 4 games and potentially more. They’ll need him 100% healthy before he’s active.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 23, 2022

Young is set to miss the first four games of the season. The No. 2 selection of the 2020 NFL Draft is one of the most talented defenders in the league thanks to his special ability to create havoc when getting after the passer.

Furthermore, with Young sidelined, it gives the Cowboys some time to work through their work-in-progress at offensive line. Rookie Tyler Smith looks set to start next to Tyron Smith on the left side of the line. The Commanders still have Jonathan Allen and Montez Sweat to throw at Dallas, but Young presents a big challenge when on the field.

This is not unfamiliar territory for either team. The Commanders were without Young for both games last season. Dallas won the two contests by a combined score of 83 to 34. Young has recorded one sack, seven tackles, and three tackles-for-loss in two games versus Dallas in his career.

The Dallas Cowboys will not have to deal with Chase Young until week 18 of the season. Young missing the first meeting between the two rivals is a missed opportunity for Washington and a key development for Dallas.

Featured image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports