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It feels like each day of training camp, we talk about a different wide receiver standing out. There is always Terry McLaurin, who stands out every day.
Perhaps the most intriguing battles on Washington’s roster isn’t who will start at quarterback, but which receivers will round out the Football Team’s pass-catching corps?
Enter a familiar name into the equation: Steven Sims Jr.
The former undrafted free agent from Kansas burst onto the scene in 2019. Then-interim coach Bill Callahan said Sims would be Washington’s slot receiver for “a long time.”
Unfortunately for Sims, things didn’t go as planned in 2020 under the Football Team’s new coaching staff.
Sims played in 12 games for Washington last season, recording just 27 receptions for 265 yards and a touchdown. His best performance came in the playoff game against Tampa Bay, where he caught three passes and a touchdown.
Now, Sims is fighting for his future in Washington after a disappointing season.
“This year, we’re wiping all that away,” Sims said about his 2020 season, per Zach Selby of washingtonfootball.com. “It’s a new year moving forward. I worked all offseason focusing on things.”
Sims has shown flashes of the 2019 version of himself throughout training camp, reminding everyone he belongs in the NFL, whether it is in Washington — or somewhere else.
Steven Sims said he's catching 200 balls a day after practice. Said he feels back to his old self; healthy. makes a big difference. he's having a good camp. Still a tough competition at WR, but with his quickness he can help someone — here or elsewhere.
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 4, 2021
Curtis Samuel being sidelined in the first week of camp has been a blessing for Sims, and he’s taking advantage of every opportunity.
“I’ve been taking it back to the basics,” Sims said. “Just trying to make this roster, whether it’s the sixth man in the receiving room or the fourth man. Whatever it is, it doesn’t matter to me.”
What would help Sims in his quest to make the roster is special teams. Sims can return punts, but he struggled there a year ago. If he can have a strong summer returning punts, both in practice and in the preseason, it could go a long way in helping his case.
For Sims, this preseason is a lot like 2019, when a strong summer helped push his way onto the roster.
Can he do it again in 2021?