Chargers' Asante Samuel: Disappoints in second season
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Samuel finished the 2022-23 season with 57 tackles (48 solo), one tackle for loss, two interceptions, a fumble recovery and 11 passes defended across 17 games.
Samuel served as the Chargers' No. 1 corner after J.C. Jackson suffered a season-ending knee injury in late October. The 23-year-old had a disappointing second season, recording the same amount of pass deflections and interceptions as he did during his rookie year despite playing in five more games, while also allowing a team-high six touchdowns. While the potential is there, Samuel has struggled with consistency but will look to try and put it all together going into his third season.
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Chargers' Asante Samuel: Two passes defended in loss
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Samuel recorded four assisted tackles and two passes defended during Sunday's 37-23 loss to the Seahawks.
Samuel finished with a team high in passes defended as he made his seventh start of the season against Seattle. The second-year cornerback has played all but four defensive snaps for the Chargers this season, recording 26 tackles, seven passes defended and an interception. Samuel should continue to serve as the Bolts' top cornerback with J.C. Jackson (kneecap) now expected to miss the remainder of the 2022 campaign.
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Chargers' Asante Samuel: Not in line to start
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Samuel appears to be losing ground on the starting outside cornerback role opposite J.C. Jackson, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.
Michael Davis was expected to lose his starting role after the offseason signings of Jackson and slot corner Bryce Callahan, but instead it appears as if Samuel could be relegated to No. 4 corner. Samuel did play slot at times for the Chargers during his rookie campaign and showed flashes of being a turnover difference maker, but Callahan's excellence in that capacity might mean the second-year corner is simply the odd man out of the starting equation.
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Chargers' Asante Samuel: Full participant in practice
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Samuel (concussion) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice session.
Samuel has missed the last four games due to a concussion, but his full participation in practice Wednesday is an encouraging sign. If he can remain a full participant Thursday and Friday, he should have a good chance to return for Sunday's matchup against the Texans.
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Chargers' Asante Samuel: Inactive Thursday
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Samuel (concussion) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Kansas City.
Samuel was a limited participant in practice all week, but he'll be unable to return to game action Thursday. Chris Harris should continue to handle an increased role against the Chiefs.
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Chargers' Asante Samuel: Questionable Thursday
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Samuel (concussion) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Chiefs.
Samuel was a limited participant at practice Monday and Tuesday, and he has a chance to return Thursday following a three-game absence due to a concussion. If he's unavailable once again, Chris Harris should continue to see additional playing time.
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Chargers' Asante Samuel: Out for Week 13
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Samuel (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Bengals.
Samuel was unable to clear concussion protocol for a second straight week, leading to him being ruled out for Week 13. Kiondre Thomas and Tevaughn Campbell will play increased snaps in the secondary again this weekend.
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Chargers' Asante Samuel: Absent from practice Wednesday
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Samuel (concussion) did not practice Wednesday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.
Samuel continues to work through the concussion protocol and appears to be trending in the wrong direction for Sunday's road matchup against the Bengals. Kiondre Thomas and Tevaughn Campbell will remain candidates to see increased work as long as Samuel can't go.
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Chargers' Asante Samuel: Logs full practice
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Samuel (concussion) was able to practice fully Wednesday, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Samuel suffered a concussion in Week 8 and was unable to play for the Chargers in Week 9. While it's uncertain if the cornerback has cleared concussion protocols, there's optimism Samuel will be able to play in Week 10 after practicing fully Wednesday. Expect Ryan Smith and Tevaughn Campbell to see increased roles Sunday if Samuel can't suit up against the Vikings.
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Chargers' Asante Samuel: Bolts to Los Angeles
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The Chargers selected Samuel in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 47th overall.
This is a strong value pick for Los Angeles, as Samuel was the best corner on the board and would not have lasted much longer had the Chargers gone in another direction. The Florida State product lacks ideal size (5-foot-10, 180 pounds) to stick outside against big receivers; however, Samuel possesses natural coverage ability and starter-level athleticism highlighted by 4.41-second speed in the 40. Samuel joins a talented cornerback group alongside Chris Harris.
