SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 28: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly considering benching a defensive star for their Super Bowl showdown vs. the Kansas City Chiefs next month.

According to the NFL Notifications account on X, defensive end Chase Young is in danger of missing out on the game following his performance on Sunday night. The former Ohio State star was exposed by Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs on a touchdown run, having made a pathetic attempt to stop the rookie on his way into the end zone during the Niners’ comeback win.

 

The lethargic effort did not go unnoticed by fans, who ripped the player online.

Per the aforementioned account, the Niners have realized that the player has made a habit of taking several plays off during games and now consider him a liability.

Young, the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, joined San Francisco via a trade from the Washington Commanders last November and was considered a huge addition to an already formidable defense. However, his play this season hasn’t matched expectations and he can hardly take any credit for the team’s run to the Super Bowl.

 

The Commanders’ decision to trade him instead of picking up his fifth-year option appears to have been sound and, should he get benched for the Super Bowl, he could have a worrying free agency period ahead.