An injury to Ryan Mathews has left the Eagles backfield light on depth heading into Week 17, prompting the team to make a minor roster move. According to an official announcement from the team, undrafted RB Terrell Watson has been promoted to the active roster and could be set to make his NFL debut.
Roster Move: #Eagles elevate RB Terrell Watson from the practice squad to the active roster.#FlyEaglesFly
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 30, 2016
After spending 2015 on the Bengals practice squad, Watson was later signed by the Cleveland Browns. In two years of preseason reps, Watson has amassed 187 yards on 41 rushes, receiving for 35 yards.
Watson’s journey to the NFL is one of heartbreak and inspiration. Having been left on a doorstep as a baby and overcoming learning difficulties later in life, Watson’s journey has been anything but easy. He spent his collegiate days with Azusa Pacific, where he broke 20 school records..all of which formerly belonged to Christian Okoye.
In 2014, Watson rushed for 2,153 yards and 29 touchdowns in just 11 games and as a result, now holds the school’s records for career rushing yards, career rushing touchdowns and career all-purpose yards.
At 6’0 and 236 pounds, Watson is an incredible athlete..and that was showcased impressively at the combine.
40-yard Dash: 4.55
20-yard Shuttle: 4.49
3-Cone: 7.48
Vertical: 35.5”
Broad Jump: 10’3”
Bench: 22
The inspirational story of Terrell Watson is best learned in this fantastic article on The Guardian..but for now it’s taken yet another turn, sending him to the City of Brotherly Love and potentially to his first NFL regular season snap.
The Eagles backfield is set to consist of Darren Sproles, Byron Marshall and Terrell Watson when the team face Dallas on New Years Day.
