Curtis Samuel finally took the practice field for the Washington Football Team.
The promising wideout passed his physical and was activated from the physically unable to perform list. Last week he was removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list. Both matters had sidelined him since Washington opened training camp in late July.
Samuel, who's been nursing a groin injury that arose in the offseason, was a limited participant Sunday and now has four weeks to prepare for his first season with his new team. Coach Ron Rivera told reporters the fifth-year wideout does "not necessarily" need preseason reps "but he'll be out there" as he ramps up his activity.
Washington lured Samuel out of Carolina with a three-year, $34.5 million deal during free agency. The former second-round pick is coming off a career year that saw him log 77 receptions and 41 carries while scoring five touchdowns.
His transition to D.C. figures to be smooth after previously working under coach Rivera and offensive coordinator Scott Turner with the Panthers. Samuel immediately slots in as a No. 2 target alongside Terry McLaurin.
Washington also parted ways with a former Pro Bowl running back for a second straight preseason. Lamar Miller has been cut, just three days after catching a touchdown and tallying 14 yards on three carries in a preseason loss to the Patriots. The 30-year-old veteran has played in just one game the past two seasons amid brief stints with New England and Chicago. A year ago, Washington waived Adrian Peterson right before the season opener.
Its current depth chart is headed by Antonio Gibson and also features J.D. McKissic and Peyton Barber.
The team announced wide receiver Kelvin Harmon and cornerback Chris Miller were released as well.
Injuries/COVID-19
- Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love suffered a strain in his throwing shoulder Saturday evening versus the Texans, but no further issues were revealed during Sunday tests, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. His much-anticipated preseason debut was cut a bit short after he got banged up during a sack. Love completed 12 of 17 passes for 122 yards and one touchdown. "He's doing fine," LaFleur told reporters Sunday. "It's something that is significant enough where he could miss a couple days of practice. We're going to take it day to day."
- New England Patriots defensive end Chase Winovich has been removed from the PUP list, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Winovich has not practiced this summer because of an undisclosed injury. Tight end Jonnu Smith sustained a sprained ankle in practice Sunday, but it's not considered serious, Rapoport reported. Smith is set to undergo more tests.
- Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was unavailable to coach Sunday against the Panthers for COVID-19 related reasons, the team announced. Safeties Coach Alan Williams assumed his duties. Cornerback T.J. Carrie was ruled out after suffering a knee injury in the first quarter.
- New York Giants coach Joe Judge said he doesn't anticipate running back Saquon Barkley (knee) partaking in live drills during joint practices with the Browns this week but he's encouraged by his progress. "He responded well last week to the volume and the load," Judge said. The team announced that linebacker T.J. Brunson suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during Saturday's game versus the Jets and safety Joshua Kalu tore a pectoral muscle. Judge said linebacker Blake Martinez did not play because of a non-football illness
- The Tennessee Titans placed linebacker B.J. Bello on injured reserve.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars activated defensive lineman Taven Bryan from the reserve/COVID-19 list.
- Browns tight end Stephen Carlson may miss the entire season after suffering a knee injury against the Jaguars, Pelissero reported.
Signings
- The Titans signed former Chiefs and Washington tight end Deon Yelder, who was waived by Washington in July after spending his first three seasons with Kansas City. He has 10 career catches over 26 games.
- Washington claimed tight end Caleb Wilson off waivers from Philadelphia.
- The Giants have agreed to terms on a contract with quarterback Brian Lewerke, per Lewerke's agent.
Roster cuts
- The Buffalo Bills released guards Marquel Harrell, Caleb Benenoch and Syrus Tuitele, defensive tackle Eli Ankou and linebacker Mike Bell.
- The Titans waived tight end Gabe Holmes.
- The Detroit Lions waived cornerback Alex Brown.
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived tight end De'Quan Hampton, cornerback Cameron Kinley and wide receiver Josh Pearson.
- The Minnesota Vikings waived long snapper Turner Bernard and defensive end Jordan Brailford.
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