Terrell

Watson

Watson figured to have a strong grip on the No. 3 running back job heading into the preseason, but he was outplayed by Raheem Mostert (who was also cut Sunday) and looked awful in the Browns’ final two preseason games. Watson managed 57 scoreless yards on 16 preseason carries (3.6 YPC), while catching eight passes. He could resurface on the Browns’ practice squad.

Watson followed Bengals OC Hue Jackson to Cleveland, and is battling for No. 3 duties behind Duke Johnson and Isaiah Crowell. Watson was the complete package at Azusa Pacific, but is the kind of player who will really have to shine in the preseason to avoid the practice squad. He’s a sleeper, but a long-shot.

Watson is competing with Glenn Winston and Raheem Mostert behind Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson. “I feel here was my best opportunity to play,” Watson said. “Hue wanted me here.” Watson admits he chose the Browns for those reasons of knowing the offense already and Jackson’s desire to bring him with him from Cincinnati. Watson is a sleeper to push Crowell for carries.

Signed by the Bengals as an UDFA out of D-2 Azusa Pacific last year, Watson followed Hue Jackson to Cleveland. Watson put up huge numbers in college, but he is an upright runner who developed bad habits playing against inferior competition. His chances of making a fantasy impact this season remain remote.

Watson gets the nod over Raheem Mostert after both running backs were cut by the Browns over the weekend. Watson was cut to make room for RB/KR George Atkinson, but Atkinson is on the roster more for his special teams value. By staying in Cleveland, Watson is still essentially the Browns’ No. 3 back.

The touchdown was Watson’s first in the NFL, and the Eagles gave him three chances inside the 10 late in the game to get it done. Added off the practice squad this week, the intriguing size/speed prospect out of Azusa Pacific should be given a shot to earn a roster spot next August.

The Eagles still have a roster spot open after placing Ryan Mathews on injured reserve. “I would like for it to be a running back,” Pederson said when asked about the open spot. “With Watson sitting right there, it would be a no-brainer for us.” With just Darren Sproles and Byron Marshall on the active roster, the Eagles need a more traditional “early-down back” for the season finale. It looks like Watson will be that guy.

ESPN’s Adam Caplan is “told” Watson will work in “short yardage” against the Cowboys. Darren Sproles and Byron Marshall are both likely to play more snaps, but they are space backs. Watson stands 6-foot-1 and 236 pounds.

A hot name with the Browns this offseason, Watson was waived at final cuts and has been bouncing around ever since. Watson is unlikely to make an impact, but he is nice insurance with Kenjon Barner (hamstring) injured. TE Marcel Jensen was cut from the practice squad in a corresponding move.

Watson had been on the roster since being promoted off the practice squad in Week 17. A “name” free agent last year, Watson couldn’t make the Browns, and evidently didn’t show enough in Eagles practice to even survive until minicamp. Things aren’t looking good for Watson’s NFL future.