Washington Football Team: Don’t count on Curtis Samuel returning for Week 4
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Football Team‘s offense has been an extreme letdown in the early goings. Outside of their Week 2 breakout against the Giants when they scored 30 points, the offense has struggled sustaining long drives.
It’s honestly a miracle they put up 21 points vs the Bills this past Sunday.
If not for Antonio Gibson going full beast mode on a short reception, Dustin Hopkins recovering his own kick (when was the last time you saw that) and a garbage time touchdown from Logan Thomas, Washington would’ve been hard-pressed to score more than 10 points in Orchard Park.
Sorry, but those are just the facts.
We’re not sure if there’s a clearcut solution to the offense’s struggles, but getting Curtis Samuel back on the field definitely wouldn’t hurt.
While Samuel is eligible to come off injured reserve, but we wouldn’t necessarily count on the dynamic receiver being activated for Week 4.
Dyami Brown with the first rep.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) September 29, 2021
Curtis Samuel with the 2nd. Looks more fluid and quick than we saw before Week 1. pic.twitter.com/iipJ5t3tuR
Will Curtis Samuel return for the Washington Football Team his weekend?
Ron Rivera told the media that Samuel looked good in Wednesday’s practice, where he was a full participant. It was the 25-year-old’s first on-field action since training camp. So, why are we so down on his chances to return this week?
Well, after speaking highly of Samuel’s return to practice, Rivera quickly noted that Washington has a 21-day window to add him back to the 53-man roster, which is true. If we had to guess, we’d say Rivera and Co. aren’t in a rush to activate Samuel after he re-aggravated his groin injury before Week 1.
That probably won’t sit well with fans, and understandably so. After all, Terry McLaurin is the only receiver offering a big-play threat right now.
Dyami Brown has been a major disappointment and might be in the doghouse after committing a drop on a sure first down against Buffalo. Adam Humphries, on the other hand, has just 10 catches for 61 yards in three games. That’s a far cry from the impact fans thought he’d have from the slot.
Thomas has been solid (12 catches for 117 yards and two TDs), but we figured he’d have a lot more than 14 targets at this stage of the season.
Rivera said Curtis Samuel looked good, but said they have time to decide if to activate him or not. Said Samuel "showed his speed". Also said they'd increase his work tomorrow. Rivera: "He's an impact player, the kind of guy you want on the field."
— John Keim (@john_keim) September 29, 2021
With all that being said, wouldn’t it be smart to err on the side of caution and hold Samuel out for one more week? We know Washington is facing a must-win game, but ensuring Samuel’s long-term health would be the right call.
If we’re being honest, Washington, even in its current state, should be able to dispose of the Falcons without Samuel. Before running into the lowly Giants, Atlanta gave up 80 combined points to the Eagles and Bucs to start the year.
If Washington’s offense can’t get back on track against that defense, then fans have our permission to panic.
Nevertheless, the bottom line is that we’d be shocked if Samuel suited up on Sunday. The fact Rivera was noncommittal about him returning told us that the team is going to ensure he’s 110% before activating him.
