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Matthew Paras

mparas@washingtontimes.com

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

Articles by Matthew Paras

Seattle Storm's Breanna Stewart, left, defends Washington Mystics' Tina Charles (31) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, June 22, 2021 in Everett, Wash. (Dean Rutz/The Seattle Times via AP) **FILE**

Mystics’ Tina Charles to miss 3-5 games with injury

The Washington Mystics gained one star. But lost another. Not even a week into Elena Delle Donne's return, the Mystics announced Thursday that star center Tina Charles would miss the next three to five games with a left gluteal strain. Charles suffered the injury in Sunday's loss to the Seattle Storm.

August 26, 2021
Washington Football Team safety Troy Apke (30) jogs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)

In or out: A look at those on the bubble for Washington

Preparing for Saturday's preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens, Rivera admitted Thursday that there are a final few spots on the roster still up for grabs before the team has to cut from 80 to 53 players next week. The league's deadline to trim down is Tuesday, meaning this weekend's contest is vital to make one last impression.

August 26, 2021
Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani (17) jogs on the field before a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

Shohei Ohtani is a phenom. What would an NFL version of him look like?

Just for fun, let's imagine what an Ohtani-type would look like in the NFL. Two-way players -- ones who play offense and defense -- have largely been fazed out of today's game. There are occasional exceptions, like when Washington used defensive end Ryan Anderson as a part-time fullback a few years back. But the days of former Redskins great Sammy Baugh playing quarterback and leading the league in interceptions as a defensive back are over.

August 25, 2021
Washington Football Team wide receiver Steven Sims (15) runs with the ball 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)

Sims signs with Bills after Washington release

Days after Washington released the wide receiver, the Buffalo Bills signed Sims in the wake of slot receivers Cole Beasley hitting the COVID-19 list and Isaiah McKenzie being sidelined by a shoulder injury. The move also gives the Bills a potential special teams option as Sims has experience returning punts and kickoffs.

August 25, 2021
New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton, right, is sacked by Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young (99) during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Hands-on adjustment: Young’s new moves leading to more pressure

Young's improved handwork has been on display throughout training camp and the preseason -- particularly when he used a swim move to beat Patriots left tackle Isaih Wynn and hit quarterback Cam Newton in Washington's first preseason game. The sequence caused observers like former All-Pro Mitchell Schwartz and offensive line guru Duke Manyweather to praise the 22-year-old. Young's own teammates and coaches have noticed a leap, too.

August 24, 2021
Washington Football Team linebacker Jamin Davis (52) on the sidelines during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Davis’ role narrows, but rookie linebacker is still growing

Growing up, Jamin Davis often was told he was miscast as a linebacker. But Davis knew he had two things going for him at the position: He loved calling out the plays to set up the defense -- he was good at it. And he loved to hit. And he was good at that too.

August 23, 2021
Washington Football Team wide receiver Steven Sims runs a drill during an NFL football practice, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Washington cuts Sims, activates Sharpe off COVID-19 reserve list

The Washington Football Team released the slot wide receiver Monday, parting ways with the 24-year-old as the team activated tackle David Sharpe off the COVID-19 reserve list. In a crowded wide receiver competition, Sims fell behind in recent weeks. He played 24 snaps in Friday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but went without a catch.

August 23, 2021
Washington Football Team running back Jaret Patterson (35) celebrates his touchdown during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) **FILE**

Short in stature, Jaret Patterson is standing tall in preseason

NFL players, heck, athletes in general, tend to shy away from comparisons. Sure, they'll be happy to cite influences or idols, but directly comparing them to another player? That's a no-no, for most. But Jaret Patterson isn't like most athletes. So he's more than happy to throw out a few names.

August 22, 2021
Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, waits in the ring with a trainer after losing his fight to Yordenis Ugas, of Cuba, in a welterweight championship boxing match Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Pacquiao unsure of boxing future after loss to Yordenis Ugas

The 42-year-old, future Hall of Famer suffered a unanimous decision defeat to WBA titleholder Yordenis Ugas on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, losing 115-113 and 116-112 twice on the judge's scorecards. It was a two-year layoff for Pacquiao, but the boxer lacked his usual speed and movement that made him one of the best fighters of all time.

August 22, 2021
Washington Football Team's Jaret Patterson before an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)

Washington’s key position battles to come into focus against Bengals

When Washington takes on the Cincinnati Bengals at home Friday, the Burgundy and Gold will be facing a team without its top player. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has already been ruled out for the matchup -- with Cincinnati keeping Burrow from returning to the field where he tore his ACL last fall. But for coach Ron Rivera, there will still be plenty to evaluate.

August 19, 2021
FILE - Cincinnati Bengals cornerback William Jackson (22) plays against the Dallas Cowboys in the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, in this Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, file photo. Washington has agreed to sign cornerback William Jackson. Jackson's contract with Washington is worth $42 million over three years with $26 million guaranteed, a person with knowledge of the signing tells The Associated Press. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday, March 17, 2021, because the team does not release contract terms. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster, File)

William Jackson III, the next Josh Norman? Not so fast

At a glance, Jackson's fit with Washington reeks shades of the team's pursuit of Josh Norman from a few years back -- a high-priced relationship that ultimately failed because the team either didn't utilize Norman in the right scheme or Norman couldn't adapt to what Washington asked of him, depending on your viewpoint. But that comparison may be an overreaction.

August 18, 2021
Washington Football Team's Sammis Reyes before an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini) ** FILE **

Reyes out for Friday’s game against Bengals

Washington tight end Sammis Reyes will miss Friday's preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals after he was placed in the NFL's concussion protocol. Reyes, 25, did not practice Wednesday and was seen using an exercise bike on the sideline.

August 18, 2021