Commanders Tap Versatile Deebo Samuel as Kickoff Returner, Raising Injury Concerns

On September 10, 2025, the Washington Commanders witnessed the full Deebo Samuel experience in their Week 1 victory over the New York Giants. The sixth-year wide receiver caught seven passes for 77 yards and carried the ball once for a 19-yard touchdown. Additionally, Samuel served as the Commanders' primary kickoff returner, averaging 25 yards on his two returns.

However, this decision to utilize Samuel in the high-impact kickoff return role has raised concerns among the coaching staff. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn acknowledged the potential risks, stating that he "wouldn't put him in if I felt like that would be the case" in reference to Samuel's injury history. Former Washington coach Jay Gruden echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the team should "err on the side of not putting him back there" to preserve Samuel's health and energy for the offense.

The debate over Samuel's kickoff return duties highlights the delicate balance between maximizing his game-breaking abilities and protecting him from further injury. Samuel has only played a full season once in his career, though he has missed just two games over the past two seasons. His physical, run-after-catch style of play often leaves him battered, making the decision to use him on kickoffs a complex one.

As the Commanders continue to integrate Samuel into their offense, the coaching staff must weigh the risks and rewards of deploying him in the kickoff return game. With the new NFL kickoff rules aimed at improving player safety, the potential for high-speed collisions has been reduced, but the inherent danger remains. The Commanders' handling of this situation will be crucial in ensuring Samuel's long-term availability and the team's success.