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Matthew Paras

mparas@washingtontimes.com

Matthew Paras was a digital sports writer for the Washington Times.

Articles by Matthew Paras

Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young (99) looks on during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington’s defense facing better quarterbacks this year

The quality of opposing quarterback play -- and the strength of schedule as a whole -- is why most experts expect Washington's defense to take a step back over the next few months. In the NFL, defensive success can be fleeting and Washington will likely have a tough time replicating its top-five ranking from a year ago.

September 6, 2021
In this Nov. 8, 2020, photo, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel (10) runs to the end zone against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo. Washington has been practicing without receiver Curtis Samuel for the balance of training camp and without cornerback William Jackson for the past week. Samuel and Jackson were the team's highest-priced free-agent additions. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, File) **FILE**

Samuel nearing return: Is there reason to worry about his groin injury?

Curtis Samuel still isn't practicing, but coach Ron Rivera said Thursday he's very optimistic that the 25-year-old will be ready for Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers at FedEx Field. Rivera said he anticipates Samuel, who signed a three-year, $34.5 million contract in March, to practice starting Monday.

September 2, 2021
In this Oct. 26, 2019, file photo, Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo watches batting practice for Game 4 against the Houston Astros in the baseball World Series in Washington. “The challenges have been that they stopped playing baseball about six weeks into the spring season,” Rizzo said, talking about the draft. “So that’s been the biggest hurdle that we had to face. Fortunately, we dive into this draft thing very, very seriously. We got a lot done early on, especially the higher-round type of premier prospects. We have a really good feel of what’s out there in the country.” (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) **FILE**

Nationals fire employees over vaccination status

The Washington Nationals fired a small number of full-time staff in wake of the team's recent COVID-19 vaccine mandate, according to a report -- making the baseball club one of the first professional sports teams to terminate employment over an individual's vaccination status.

September 1, 2021
Washington Football Team running back Jaret Patterson runs a drill during practice at the team's NFL football training facility, Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Longshots Patterson, Reyes bond over beating odds

Patterson is one of at least two Washington players for whom making the 53-man roster is particularly sweet. Tight end Sammis Reyes, like Jaret Patterson, went undrafted and overcame long odds to wind up in the NFL. Coincidentally, their stalls are next to each other in Washington's locker room. And they've bonded over similar paths -- and more.

September 1, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers Keibert Ruiz hits a solo home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) **FILE**

Keibert Ruiz set to make Nationals debut on Monday

The Nationals will call up catcher Keibert Ruiz from Triple-A on Monday to play against the Philadelphia Phillies, the team announced Sunday. Ruiz, the 13th rated prospect in baseball, arrives to the District after Washington acquired him from the Los Angeles Dodgers last month at the trade deadline.

August 29, 2021
Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (27) is taken off the field after suffering an injury in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Dobbins’ season in doubt after knee injury

Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins is feared to have suffered a season-ending knee injury in Saturday's preseason finale against the Washington Football Team, according to a report.

August 29, 2021
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Ben Victor (81) makes a touchdown catch against Washington Football Team defensive back Troy Apke (30) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington falls to Ravens in preseason finale

All week, Washington coach Ron Rivera remained tight-lipped when repeatedly asked how many minutes his starters would play in Saturday's preseason finale. Then when it came time for his players to take the field, the answer was finally revealed: None.

August 28, 2021