Head coach Ron Rivera has been impressed with and proud of wide receiver Curtis Samuel's impact this season following a frustrating 2021 hampered by injuries. 

"I think it's been outstanding. It really has," Rivera said.   

Samuel has amassed 744 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns this year and played in all of 13 of Washington's games so far. These numbers are a stark pivot from last season, and Rivera gives a lot of credit to the Commanders athletic training staff and Samuel for that turn. It has taken a lot of care, focus and patience for the wide receiver to get to where he is now. 

"He's handled it very well this year… He got into training camp, came into training camp, they had a ramp up program they did with him and he got ahead of it and we had to slow him down," Rivera said. "He accepted that, which was great. And then as it started to get where he could really take off, he did."  

In taking off this season, Samuel has been an invaluable weapon for the Commanders offense. A big reason for that is his versatility and, as Rivera put it, "the potential that he brings." Samuel has been dangerous in both a wide receiver and running back type role. His many strengths have allowed for more creativity and different ways to destabilize defenses, which has been and will continue to be so important for the Commanders in the tail end of the season.  

"Him being a big part of what we've done and the success we've had, I think is what we envisioned when we brought him here last season," Rivera said. "Unfortunately, it didn't work because of the injury, but now that he's healthy and watching his contribution, that's what it's all about is understanding that his skillset is very important to what we're doing offensively."

Here's a morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Commanders on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022. All reports, rumors and conjecture are a reflection of the media conversation and are not endorsed or confirmed by the Washington Commanders.

The reports and deals expressed in this article have not been confirmed by Washington, nor do they reflect any insider information from anyone in the front office.

• The Richmond-Times Dispatch's Michael Phillips writes about Taylor Heinicke's success in an uptempo offense.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about Washington's excitement for a big game on a big stage this Sunday.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier writes about the Commanders preparing for a "playoff atmosphere."
• The Washington Post's Scott Allen takes a look at the NFC East.
• The Washington Post's Scott Allen also writes about the Commanders preparing for a pivotal rematch.
• The Athletic's Ben Standig writes opens his notebook ahead of the Commanders' crucial Week 15.
• NBC Sport's Washington's Ethan Cadeaux looks at a pair of notable Commanders' roster moves on Monday.
• The Washington Post's Scott Allen writes about why Washington's upcoming rematch against New York is so unique
• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about Ryan Kerrigan's impact on the Commanders' defensive line.
• NBC Sports Washington's Bijan Todd looks at the Commanders' playoff chances after Week 14.
• The Athletic's Ben Standig opens his mailbag to answer questions on the Commanders' offense.

Check Out What's On Commanders.com:

• Practice report | Chase Young 'trusting the process' in preparing for return
• Commanders vs. Giants preview | A primetime rematch
• Notes & Quotes | Rivera provides injury updates on St-Juste, Young and more
• Week 15 power rankings | Commanders close to cracking top 10
• Players & positions to monitor during Week 15
• Commanders activate Carson Wentz, place Tyler Larsen on IR
• The case for Tress Way to make his second Pro Bowl
• Brian Robinson's best plays from the 2022 season so far
• The case for Daron Payne to make his first Pro Bowl
• Taylor Heinicke's best moments from the 2022 season so far
• Jon Allen wants 'stadium rockin' for Week 15 SNF matchup vs. Giants
• From the booth | Sink or swim will depend on depth
• Charles Leno, Jr. named Washington Commanders’ nominee for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award
• Commanders' Week 15 game against Giants flexed to Sunday Night Football