Washington Football Team wide receiver Curtis Samuel hasn’t played since Oct. 10 with a nagging groin injury. However, he could return to the football field soon. Samuel is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.
Fitting considering he played four seasons with the Panthers before signing a three-year, $34.5 million deal with Washington in March.
He’s barely practiced throughout the season. Yet, he participated in Friday’s practice but was limited. Washington head coach Ron Rivera said Samuel “looked good” but cautioned if and when he returns to the field.
“I promise you this, no matter what happens, if and when he’s out there, we will stick to that pitch count no matter what,” Rivera said per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.
Curtis Samuel has dealt with a groin injury since June. It forced him to miss most of training camp and all of the preseason. He has missed seven games so far in the regular season, including a three-game stint on injured reserve in September. He’s played just 30 offensive snaps total and appeared in two games.
His first of two games played was in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons. He played 25 snaps, which Rivera previously admitted Samuel had more plays than planned due to injuries during the game to other receivers.
Samuel then suffered a setback the following week against the New Orleans Saints after just five snaps. He hasn’t played since.
Last week, Samuel visited a doctor to get another opinion on the injury. Rivera has maintained Samuel won’t go back on IR and would ultimately return to the field this season.
Being listed as questionable for Sunday appears to be a step in the right direction.
