Riggo's Rag
FanSided

3 things that will make Commanders training camp a success

By Jerry Trotta

ASHBURN, VA - JUNE 16: Cole Holcomb #55 of the Washington Commanders participates in a drill during the organized team activity at INOVA Sports Performance Center on June 16, 2022 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
ASHBURN, VA - JUNE 16: Cole Holcomb #55 of the Washington Commanders participates in a drill during the organized team activity at INOVA Sports Performance Center on June 16, 2022 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Oct 10, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team wide receiver Curtis Samuel (10) walks off the field after the game against the New Orleans Saints at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team wide receiver Curtis Samuel (10) walks off the field after the game against the New Orleans Saints at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Curtis Samuel staying healthy

Sure, you could replace Samuel with “the entire roster,” but Samuel deserves his own write up after his forgettable 2021. The 25-year-old wideout played just five games last season, but it was much worse than that. In those five games, he never eclipsed more than 25 snaps, four catches or 20 receiving yards.

The main reason behind Samuel’s injury woes? He never got off the ground during the offseason. He tweaked his groin during spring practices and it was all downhill from there. He spent most of his time on the side field and never looked explosive in the rare occasion he practiced with the first-team offense.

The good news is Samuel made it through OTAs and minicamp without an injury. With that said, though, Rivera held him out of half of those practices due to leg tightness and an “abundance of caution.” Nobody wants to hear that.

If Samuel can get through camp with a clean bill of health — even if it means managing his reps to keep his legs fresh — that would be huge for Washington.

One of the most versatile offensive weapons in the NFL, Samuel can line up in the backfield, the slot or on the outside. He can take the offense to new heights, which makes him the Commanders’ single biggest X-factor for 2022.

Home/Commanders News