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Ron Rivera Presser: Our confidence is high in Curtis Samuel, but if he isn't 100% we won't play him

Ron Rivera speaks to the media after practice

Ron Rivera opened his post-practice presser talking about WR Curtis Samuel who has been dealing with a groin injury for what seems like his entire time in Washington. Samuel will work back into practice with the team on Monday as the team works in pads. Rivera’s level of optimism is very high that Samuel will be ready for Week 1. He doesn’t feel that Samuel needs extra work with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, and he already knows the offense that OC Scott Turner runs.

Rivera also said that Samuel won’t play if he’s not 100% game-ready. He won’t return before he’s ready for a full workload. Rivera said the faster guys take a little bit longer to return from groin injuries. You don’t want them to tweak the injury coming back too soon. Samuel’s speed and quickness are coming back, and he’s been getting his rhythm back catching balls on the side field.

Rivera said he wasn’t concerned if Samuel couldn’t play because of the WR room that they have here. Samuel missed 10 days while on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, and his extended absence has given rookie receivers like Dyami Brown and Dax Milne opportunities to prove themselves and develop in this offense.

Ryan Fitzpatrick was finally named the starting QB after an open competition in training camp. He said again that he regrets last year’s decision to not have a competition and naming Dwayne Haskins Jr. the starting QB. They started out giving the QBs equal reps this year, but Fitzpatrick’s football acumen and experience was evident.

Curtis Samuel:

Chase Young:

William Jackson III:

Ryan Fitzpatrick:

Adam Humphries:

Dyami Brown/Dax Milne:

Open spot on the practice squad:

Game prep:

Jamin Davis:

Season grind:

Family time:

Last year's COVID-19 offseason vs this year:

Beard life:

Interceptions:

Self-improvement:

QB1:

Dyami Brown:

Young WRs:

Curtis Samuel: