Jordan Norwood's Rose Bowl backpack is a reminder that a year ago he was big part of a team in pursuit of postseason glory. Now, Norwood stands at the ready if the Eagles call on him to chip in this Sunday in a pivotal NFC battle with the Atlanta Falcons that will help shape both team's paths for the postseason.
The rookie was promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster on Tuesday. DeSean Jackson's status for the Falcons game is up in the air after he suffered a concussion last Sunday. If Jackson is unable to play, the Eagles would only have had three healthy wide receivers in Jason Avant, Reggie Brown and Jeremy Maclin. Cornerback Ramzee Robinson was released to make room for Norwood.
"They're kind of short-handed at my position. I'll be ready to play should they need me," Norwood said. "I'm excited and definitely going to get my nose into the playbook and make sure I'm 100 percent ready physically, mentally and get in there and help out if they need me to."
The 5-11, 171-pound Norwood earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors last season as he helped Penn State earn a Rose Bowl invite and finish 11-2 with a No. 8 national ranking. A four-year letterman at Penn State, Norwood recorded 158 receptions for 2,015 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Signed as a rookie free agent by the Browns after the draft, Norwood played in three preseason games before being released as part of the final roster cutdown. He joined the Eagles practice squad on Sept. 23. Norwood said that he started to see occasional reps with the offense during practice to give other players a break, but mostly worked on the scout team. Now, he'll be able to take what he's learned in meetings and apply it to the practice field.
There is no guarantee that Norwood will get to play. He simply said that he'll "do whatever they ask me to do" whether it's on offense or special teams.
"I was excited to be on the practice squad. I'm excited to be able to contribute a little bit more maybe now," Norwood said. "I'm just excited to be a part of this organization. I feel like it's an extraordinary organization."
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 4:54 p.m., December 1
