Washington Football Team wide receiver Curtis Samuel will be active for the first time this season on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Washington head coach Ron Rivera made the announcement following Friday’s practice.
Samuel was placed on injured reserve before Week 1 with a groin injury. The same groin injury that forced him to miss most of the training camp and all three preseason games.
He suffered a setback during a practice leading into the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. He missed the first three games of the season. But returned to practice Wednesday, opening a 21-day window for Washington to activate him from IR.
Samuel was one of Washington’s biggest free agent pickups this past offseason. He signed a three-year, $34.5 million deal to be the second option in the passing game and take pressure off star wide receiver and former Ohio State teammate Terry McLaurin.
He spent four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, three under Rivera. There he was a dynamic Swiss Army knife option for the Panthers offense. Unfortunately, he has yet to be on the field to showcase what he can do in Washington.
He’ll get his opportunity in some capacity Sunday against the Falcons. The addition of Samuel couldn’t come at a better time. Through three weeks, Washington has been a one-wide receiver offense.
McLaurin leads the way with 19 catches for 231 yards and a touchdown. However, no other receiver has 100 yards on the season. Adam Humphries is second with 10 catches and 61 yards among Washington’s wide receivers.
Adding Curtis Samuel will eventually open up the WFT passing game and alleviate some pressure to the running game and quarterback Taylor Heinicke.
