When the Washington Commanders signed Curtis Samuel to a three-year deal last offseason, they thought they had solved the wide receiver position outside of Terry McLaurin.
Instead, Samuel played only five games in 2021, recording six receptions for 27 yards.
It was a disappointing debut season in Washington for Samuel, who suffered a groin injury in the spring and had surgery. Unfortunately, each time Samuel tried to ramp up his activity for a return, he would aggravate the injury and, as a result, never felt right in 2021.
This offseason, Washington wasn’t taking any chances, drafting Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson in the first round. If Samuel returns to his former self, the Commanders could feature one of the best trios of wideouts in the league with McLaurin, Samuel and Dotson.
Samuel was on the field on the first day of Washington’s OTAs Tuesday. He didn’t look like the hesitant player from one year ago; instead, he looked like the player Washington knew from his first four years in Carolina.
Scenes from #Commanders OTAs:
Curtis Samuel running, making cuts, catching@nbcwashington #HTTC #TakeCommand pic.twitter.com/2oeI5Yusxj
— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) May 24, 2022
Samuel spoke to the media after practice.
“I feel good, I feel fast,” Samuel said was asked about his injury.
Later, someone asked Samuel if he was 100%.
“Oh no, I am great,” Samuel answered. “I’m great. Y’all seen me flying around out there.”
Washington coach Ron Rivera also seemed optimistic about Samuel.
“I know who Curtis is,” Rivera said. “We drafted him in Carolina and saw the success he had. So, we believe his skill fits what we want to do. We believe it fits very well. We think he’s a guy that, as he continues to progress and gets healthier and healthier every day, there’ll be some good things for us with him in our offense.”
Rivera and his staff never gave up on Samuel and believe the wide receiver will reward that confidence in 2022.
A healthy Samuel and Dotson’s addition could take Washington’s offense to another level in 2022. Of course, it all depends on quarterback Carson Wentz.
LIVE: Curtis Samuel speaks with the media at OTAs https://t.co/ZWHt59C1Ua
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 24, 2022