Washington Football Team: Steven Sims Jr., it’s time to Put up your Dukes
With improved depth at the wide receiver position, the Washington Football Team will have more tough decisions to make at that particular spot.
Last week, the team released promising wideout Kelvin Harmon. After Harmon’s release, Steven Sims Jr.’s days in Washington appear to be numbered, the 24-year-old now finds himself battling for a roster spot in 2021.
Last season, Sims Jr .was inconsistent at best. The former Kansas Jayhawk served as the team’s slot receiver and primary punt returner. Ball security was a major issue for Sims in 2020, as he accounted for five fumbles, three of which resulted in turnovers. He also had his fair share of struggles with dropped passes.
Ron Rivera has preached patience with the special teams, particularly with kicker Dustin Hopkins and his inconsistencies. However, it remains to be seen if he’ll take the same approach with Sims Jr., who will hit restricted free agency after this season.
During training camp, reports have indicated that Sims Jr. has looked impressive as a receiver. Sims showed promise as a undrafted rookie in 2019, scoring six total touchdowns and tallying 34 receptions for 310 yards. In 2020, however, his production dropped, as he managed just 27 catches for 265 yards and a TD.
Sims Jr. should continue to develop during his third season in the NFL, but he faces stern competition from other wide receivers on the roster.
Steven Sims Jr is quietly having a really good camp, and it’s following over to Ashburn. Gotta respect the work he’s putting in.
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorFB) August 5, 2021
Will wideout Steven Sims Jr. make the 53-man roster?
Right now, the top five receivers for Washington are pretty much solidified. Terry McLaurin remains the clear No. 1 option. Curtis Samuel is now healthy and ready to show his worth after he was signed to be the No. 2 option in the passing game this offseason.
Cam Sims is also returning fresh off a promising 2020 campaign, when he caught 32 passes for 477 yards (14.9 yards per catch!) and a touchdown. Wideout/kick return specialist DeAndre Carter was signed to compete for return duties and he could potentially push Sims Jr. out of Washington if he makes the 53-man roster.
On the depth chart, Sims Jr. is currently listed as the second-string slot receiver behind free agent acquisition Adam Humphries. Barring any injuries, it’s safe to say that Sims Jr. will need strong performances to end the preseason, if he’s to even have a shot to make the Week 1 roster.
Unfortunately for Sims, he didn’t do himself any favors against the Bengals on Friday night. He had a really short kickoff return (though his blockers appeared to take the play off) and was a non-factor in the passing game.
