Can Commanders WR Curtis Samuel rediscover 2020 form this season?

Do you feel that? The anticipation in the air of having Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson on the field at the same time? If you watched the first preseason game against Carolina, you got a quick glimpse. The potential is there for a prolific receiving corps, but fans know how quickly potential in August can turn into destruction by December.

The big question is if Commanders WR Curtis Samuel turn back the clock and have a career year a la 2020?

Everything in training camp and preseason is pointing in the right direction. Earlier this week, Samuel participated in three straight practices for the first time this offseason. Now, that might not be a big deal in the grand scheme of things but it is a sign of progress for a player that has played less than 100 snaps for the team.

From the daily “Curtis Samuel practice trackers,” to chatter about the infamous “plan”, there is a lot of attention being paid to if the wide receiver can become the difference maker this offense expected and sorely needs.

Although much has been made of Samuel’s return to field plan, sports medicine expert Dr. Robert Volk says it is the right approach to avoid re-injury.

"It is important for a dynamic athlete like [Curtis] Samuel to take a stepwise approach in returning to full speed. Hip abduction and adduction strength, coupled with range of motion exercises, are important predictors of groin and hamstring injury.As Samuel returns, his body must be allowed to fully recover. If he doesn’t, he can fatigue easily and risk re-injury."

Ron Rivera has mentioned they are trying to increase how much Samuel does each day and he has noticed the wide receiver is getting more confident in his recovery.

"It’s been kind of cool to watch him, you know, come back and really be more and more confident about where he is."

Offensive Coordinator Scott Turner sees Samuel as being an explosive part of the offense and has also been impressed by his rehab efforts.

"He’s done a great job of rehabbing and being ready and getting back where he’s feeling like he’s back to 100%.He’s just another talented player [out] there on the field, and that’s how I think of it. This is a guy that can do some different things and put pressure on defense, and the more guys you got like that, the better."

For far too long, Washington has missed having multiple weapons together on the field. With the current trio of wide receivers, a healthy Logan Thomas, and a three-headed monster of Antonio Gibson, Brian Robinson, and J.D. McKissic, this should be one of the best offensives of Dan Snyder’s tenure as owner.

As Samuel works towards carving out a bigger role in the offense, it will be interesting to monitor his progress against that of Deebo Samuel, to whom he is often compared, and Rashod Bateman, both of whom also dealt with groin injuries last season.

With a little less than a month to go until the season kicks off, Samuel is confident and says he can do everything he used to do.

"Don’t worry about anything, we have a plan and it’s working. I feel good, I’m confident, the coaches are confident. I will be out there Week 1, trust me when I tell you. I’m taking care of myself."

For Washington fans, the worry will continue until we begin seeing highlights like the below in a Commanders jersey.

Although his comeback story won’t be as renowned as Alex Smith’s, Samuels has a chance to prove that his skillset was worth the wait and the faith this coaching staff has in him is not all for naught.