The Eagles on Wednesday afternoon activated Quez Watkins’ 21-day practice window, which means the receiver could be nearing a return.
Watkins, 25, has been on IR since Oct. 14 with a hamstring injury. He has missed the last five games on IR and missed two earlier this season, also with a hamstring injury.
After starting Watkins’ practice window, the Eagles will have 21 days to make a decision: Either activate him to the 53-man roster or shut him down for the season.
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Philadelphia sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE In recent weeks, Watkins has been seen during practices on a side field catching passes from the JUGS machine and even stretching with his teammates. It was clear that he was nearing a return to practice.
It’s safe to say the 2023 season has not gone to plan for Watkins, who was hoping for a bounce back year. He has managed to play in just three games and has 4 catches for 21 yards.
But when he was healthy early in the season, Watkins was clearly the Eagles’ No. 3 receiver in the starting lineup with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. And even with Olamide Zaccheaus, Julio Jones and Britain Covey on the roster, there’s a chance Watkins could still be their best bet at WR3.
Neither Zaccheaus or Jones has solidified themselves as the clear-cut No. 3 option, although Jones played a season-high 32 snaps against the Chiefs and boasts a Hall of Fame resume.
News
The Eagles drafted Watkins in the sixth round out of Southern Mississippi in 2020 and he had a huge second season in 2021. In Nick Sirianni’s first year as Eagles’ head coach, Watkins had 43 catches for 647 yards. But last year was a disappointment and ended with a drop in the Super Bowl.
This is the final year of Watkins’ four-year rookie contract.