A former Philadelphia Eagles rookie running back has signed with an NFC contender.
Montrell Johnson Jr., a training camp standout with the Eagles, has been signed to the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad, according to the NFL’s transaction wire.
Johnson, who signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent in May, had an excellent camp with the defending Super Bowl champions. When given the opportunity, the former Florida star showed off the explosiveness that Gators fans knew him for.
Johnson’s most extensive action came in the final preseason game against the New York Jets. He had 15 carries for 57 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown.
But Johnson missed some time in the preseason with a hamstring injury. He was waived in August on roster cutdown day and was briefly signed to the practice squad on Sept. 8.
Johnson was already stuck behind several running backs — Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley and A.J. Dillon — on the depth chart. Then, the Eagles traded for Tank Bigsby on Sept. 8, prompting Johnson’s release on Sept. 9.
Johnson worked out with the New York Giants in October and was signed to the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad in late November before being released in December. Now, he lands with the Panthers for another opportunity.
At 7-7, the Panthers are tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South lead.