Curtis Samuel sets record straight on Week 1 status in confident interview

The 2022 Washington Commanders offense has the potential to be the team’s best in several seasons; probably since the Kirk Cousins era.

With a significant improvement at quarterback, multiple playmakers at all skill positions, including wide receiver, running back and tight end and a stout offensive line, nothing should stop this offense from putting up points this year.

Like every offense, Washington’s has an X-factor and most fans would agree that player is Curtis Samuel, who’s entering a make-or-break season in Ashburn after soft-tissue injuries limited him to just five games in 2021.

Following that injury-marred campaign, the Commanders are being careful with Samuel this offseason. At training camp, the 26-year-old receiver has been a part-time participant, but has looked spry and agile when he’s been active.

With fans growing worried over Samuel’s workload, he set the record straight on his Week 1 status in an interview with Scott Abraham of WJLA-TV.

Commanders receiver Curtis Samuel plans on playing in Week 1.

"“Everybody, don’t worry about anything. We have a plan and it’s working,” Samuel said looking straight into the camera. “I feel good. I’m confident. The coaches are confident. Everybody else, we got a plan we’re sticking to it. I will be out there Week 1. Trust me when I tell you. I’m taking care of myself.”"

Bit of an awkward ending there, but who cares? These comments should quell all concerns about Samuel’s wonky role at camp. Ron Rivera has preached about improving Samuel’s football conditioning (he played less than 90 snaps last year) and not wanting to put too much on his plate and risk a potential setback.

It seems as though the Commanders’ plan is working. During Saturday’s practice at FedEx Field, Samuel was on the receiving end of a pretty touchdown in the corner of the end zone from Carson Wentz. We’d see a lot more of these if Samuel was playing every day, but it’s all part of the plan to keep him healthy for the start of the season. The important thing is he’s looked like his normal self when he’s been out there.

Samuel obviously wouldn’t confirm he’s playing Week 1 if he had any doubts about his availability. Why open yourself to that kind of criticism? Assuming the former second-round pick gets through the remainder of camp without any tweaks or tightness, fans should expect him to be out there vs. Jacksonville on Sept. 11.

This just saved all of us a month’s worth of stress. Let’s go!