Sean McDermott leaves nothing to the imagination with blunt assessment on injury-riddled weapon before playmaker returns to the field
The Buffalo Bills head coach wasted no time. Getting back to full health is the top priority.
Head coach Sean McDermott was approached before the team’s joint practice against the Chicago Bears, and he had a very telling response on Curtis Samuel and his lack of availability. The organization tends to keep things close to the vest, but McDermott laid it all out.
“He’s been out really most of camp,” McDermott said. “Urgency needs to be there for these guys. And Curtis is no different. We need to see how he fits into the offense this year. Availability is important, as well as special teams. When you’re not wide receiver number one, that’s true of everyone.”
McDermott wants to make it clear that everything is fluid, and you need to earn your spot on the roster. The Bills have been battling their fair share of injuries throughout camp on both sides of the football. For Samuel, it extends beyond.
Curtis Samuel’s injury history with the Bills
In March of 2024, Buffalo signed the veteran to a three-year, $24 million deal worth up to $30 million, with $15 million guaranteed. The injuries began when the receiver suffered a turf toe in training camp ahead of the 2024 season. Missing those key reps with Josh Allen and the first-team offense didn’t do him any favors. Then, throughout the year, he missed three games while dealing with foot, rib, and pectoral-related issues on separate occasions.
Due to his inability to stay on the field, the veteran receiver fell short of expectations; it was his least productive season since his rookie year in 2017.
In 2024, Samuel hauled in only 31 catches for 253 yards and a lone touchdown during the regular season. In his first two playoff games with the Bills, against the Patriots and the Broncos, he showed up and showed out to the tune of 10 catches for 120 yards and a touchdown. While his productivity dropped significantly during the team’s next two playoff games against the Ravens and the Chiefs, he still found the endzone and hauled in three catches for 13 yards.
McDermott just needs him back on the football field and contributing. Coming into the season, he looked ready to set the league on fire.
Looking to make an impact in 2025
During an interview with WGRZ, Samuel opened up about what makes this year different.
“I’ve got the confidence,” Samuel said. “I’m not worried about that at all. It’s just putting the confidence in everybody in the building. Being able for them to trust me, when they put the ball in my hands, to know that I’m going to make a play or put me in a position to make a play and understand that I can get the job done.”
Samuel didn’t shy away when discussing how the injuries impacted his performance.
“It’s tough when you can’t really get in a rhythm just because you’ve got an injury or you can’t cut the way you want to, you’ve got to take some time off,” he continued. “Rhythm is the most important. When I’m out there in a rhythm, which I feel like I caught towards the end, it’s just being in a rhythm and not thinking about injuries because that’s when I felt my best, and I feel like the results showed.”
Luckily, Samuel appears to be getting back and healthy at the perfect time. He was made available for the joint practice against the Chicago Bears ahead of the team’s second preseason game. Early in camp, it was discussed that Samuel would play a big part in this offense; the priority is getting back to full health. With McDermott’s comments, the time is now.
Buffalo Bills News
Bills superstar has unforgettable reaction after learning about Cook’s new contract with life-changing news of his own
A classy move from the Bills superstar.
Be part of the A to Z Sports community and vote in our latest Buffalo Bills poll as the preseason gets underway.
