Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen expressed optimism about wide receiver Curtis Samuel’s return to practice after missing significant time due to a hamstring injury. Samuel, sidelined since late July, resumed limited team drills last week and increased his involvement in practice sessions this Tuesday at Orchard Park, demonstrating renewed energy and capability on the field. Allen’s positive remarks come amid speculation from experts who considered Samuel a possible surprise cut this summer, underscoring the value the Bills’ MVP sees in the veteran wideout.
Samuel’s Gradual Return to Full Team Activity
Multiple journalists covering the Bills noted that Curtis Samuel took part in both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills during Tuesday’s practice, moving beyond individual rehab work. This marked an encouraging progression in his recovery, signaling readiness to rejoin game-day rotations. Samuel himself reflected positively on his return to outdoor team activity.
“Being back out here, I felt amazing. I was excited.”
—Curtis Samuel, Buffalo Bills Wide Receiver
Allen Emphasizes Samuel’s Unique Skill Set
Describing Samuel’s contributions, Allen highlighted the receiver’s speed and agility, qualities that had been visible early in training camp last summer before a foot injury slowed his season start. Samuel’s quickness and ability to make dynamic plays are regarded by Allen as vital to the Bills’ offensive success.
“It’s a little bit of juice. The shiftiness, the quickness that he has when the ball’s in his hands,”
—Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills Quarterback
Allen also praised Samuel’s electrifying style of play and expressed relief over seeing him return to health and active practice reps.
“He’s an electric football player, so just getting him back to health and getting him out there and getting reps with us, that’s, you know, it was good to see that today,”
—Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills Quarterback
Samuel’s Performance and Challenges in Recent Seasons
Curtis Samuel’s 2024 season was hampered by injuries, limiting him to 253 receiving yards on 31 catches over 14 regular-season games, a notable decline from his previous seasons. Prior to joining the Bills, Samuel consistently passed 610 receiving yards in four of five campaigns. His most productive year came with the Carolina Panthers in 2020, where under offensive coordinator Joe Brady, he amassed 1,051 yards from scrimmage across 15 games, playing with quarterbacks Teddy Bridgewater and PJ Walker.
Memorable Moments Highlighting Samuel’s Game-Breaking Potential
Samuel demonstrated his explosive ability later in the 2024 season, particularly in the playoffs. He scored touchdowns during the wildcard round and the AFC Championship Game. One standout moment was a 55-yard touchdown catch-and-run past All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II in the Bills’ 31-7 wildcard victory over the Denver Broncos, showcasing his capacity to change the outcome of critical games.
Outlook for Samuel’s Role with the Bills Going Forward
As Samuel continues his comeback, his presence offers the Bills an additional weapon in their offensive arsenal, potentially enhancing their passing attack and overall team performance. Josh Allen’s public praise reflects a belief that Samuel’s “juice” and playmaking will be crucial as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Observers will be watching how Samuel’s health and practice performance translate into contributions during regular-season contests.