It’s been a frustrating few months for Washington wide receiver Curtis Samuel. One of Washington’s prized free agents, Samuel has barely been on the practice field since injuring his groin at minicamp in June.
Samuel began training camp on the physically unable to perform list and also spent time on the reserve/COVID-19 list. He was activated from the PUP list on Aug. 15 and appeared ready to go.
However, he continued to work on the side with trainers. Just before Washington’s first game, Samuel reaggravated the groin and was placed on injured reserve, meaning he would miss at least the first three weeks.
Could Samuel be on the verge of a return to practice next week?
On Wednesday, he was at practice, running on the sideline with a helmet, courtesy of Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.
A good sign: Curtis Samuel running with a helmet on along the sideline at practice. pic.twitter.com/QJfvcZIBlm
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 22, 2021
If Samuel returned to practice next week, that means he would be eligible to return for Washington’s Week 4 game at Atlanta.
On Thursday, Rivera discussed Samuel and said he’s had a “good week.”
Ron Rivera, when asked if Curtis Samuel (groin) is on track to return to practice next week: "We'll see. He's had a good week, a good, solid week. So has Darrick Forrest (hamstring), so you feel really good about him. So we'll see."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 23, 2021
The return of Samuel would be a big boost for Washington’s offense. Samuel can play various roles, including lining up in the backfield, the slot, or outside. He would undoubtedly make Washington’s offense much more dangerous.
The Samuel watch has officially begun — again.
