Wide receiver Curtis Samuel, one of Washington's marquee free agent signings this offseason, was removed from the Covid list and moved to the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list Monday afternoon.
It's a concerning development for Samuel, who hasn't practiced with his new team since early June after suffering a groin injury during OTAs.
Prior to his move to the Active/PUP list, Washington head coach Ron Rivera tried to downplay concerns about Samuel's injury while also adding that there's "no timetable" for his return.
"There's no timetable for Curtis," Rivera told reporters Sunday. "You'd love for him to catch a few reps maybe in the last preseason game, but we're not going to rush him out there. He's coming back. He'll be healthy. He'll be ready to roll."
With only three preseason games this year, Washington's preseason finale is Aug. 28 against the Ravens. The Football Team kicks off its preseason slate this coming Thursday (Aug. 12) at the New England Patriots.
Rivera has stated Samuel's prior experience in offensive coordinator Scott Turner's system, in Carolina, as reason not to be concerned about his extended absence, suggesting it will take him less time to get up to speed when he does return as a result. Still, Rivera also mentioned Samuel will need to develop a rapport with Ryan Fitzpatrick. And every day he's not at practice is another missed opportunity to do so.
