The Eagles announced three roster moves ahead of Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills.
Activated WR Quez Watkins off Injured Reserve
Watkins had his 21-day practice window opened on November 22, designating him for a return from Injured Reserve. He was a limited particpant in practice all week. The Eagles listed him as questionable for Sunday's game before deciding to activate him. There was an open roster spot after defensive end Derek Barnett was waived on Friday.
The fourth-year pro has missed the last five games with a hamstring injury. Watkins also missed Weeks 3 and 4 with a hamstring injury.
This season, Watkins has four catches for 21 yards while playing 115 offensive snaps. A former sixth-round pick, Watkins has 87 receptions for 1,128 yards and five touchdowns in 43 career regular-season games (22 starts).
With tight end Dallas Goedert out for an unknown period of time with a fractured forearm, Watkins' return is a welcomed sight. Last season, when Goedert missed five games with a shoulder injury, Watkins had the best five-game stretch of his career, recording 18 catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns.
Earlier this season, Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni talked about Watkins' importance to the offense.
"What is unknown about Quez, what can't ever show up on a stat sheet with Quez, is his ability to stretch the field. His speed is real," Sirianni said. "And so, there's a lot of things that happen where maybe it's a slant that A.J. catches where Quez clears the middle to make it a cleaner throw. So Quez's speed brings a real factor."
Elevated TE Noah Togiai from the practice squad for Sunday's game
Togiai was signed to the practice squad on November 14.
With tight end Grant Calcaterra out with an ankle injury he suffered in Monday's win over the Chiefs, Togiai will provide much-needed depth at the position.
The 26-year-old has played seven NFL regular-season games, three coming with Philadelphia in 2021 and 2022.
Elevated LB Ben VanSumeren from the practice squad for Sunday's game
The undrafted rookie was elevated for the Eagles' last two games against the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs, primarily playing on special teams.
VanSumeren saw 10 snaps on special teams during his NFL debut in Week 9 and 22 snaps on special teams in Week 11.
The 23-year-old spent most of the season on the practice squad after leading the NFL with 26 tackles in the preseason.
VanSumeren will provide added depth at the linebacker spot after the team placed linebacker Nakobe Dean on Injured Reserve on November 16.
