When a young Wendell Smallwood dreamed of making his NFL debut, Sunday probably wasn’t exactly what he had in mind.
One carry for one yard.
Still, for the rookie fifth-rounder out of West Virginia, that one-yarder in the third quarter felt pretty darn good.
“It was just a long time coming,” Smallwood said. “It’s out the way now and I don’t have to think so much about it. After I actually got the first carry, I settled in and was more comfortable after.”
Smallwood was the fourth active running back on Sunday afternoon and didn’t see a ton of action, playing just two offensive snaps. He also returned a kickoff 23 yards. Doug Pederson said Smallwood’s role on special teams was the main reason the rookie was active.
But after missing most of the preseason, Smallwood expects his role in the offense to grow as the season goes on.
“I believe so, the more I get settled into doing a lot of things,” he said. “I’m just going to build more trust and put more plays on my plate.”
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Smallwood missed the first two preseason games in August with a quad injury. He came back in time for the third preseason game, but suffered a concussion after just four offensive snaps.
Despite the limited time in the preseason, he still made the roster and was active for the opener on Sunday.
“It was very tough,” Smallwood said about missing the time because of injury. “That’s the No. 1 thing I believe that’s kind of going to give me a slow start because I haven’t been out there. I don’t know what it’s like. Missing the preseason and all those live reps, I think it cost me a lot, but I’m not really reflecting on it. I’m moving on and am dialed into what I’ve got to do.”
Smallwood was one of three draft picks the Eagles had active on Sunday, along with Carson Wentz and Jalen Mills.
Wentz and Mills had much more impressive NFL debuts on Sunday. But Smallwood still played in his first NFL game, something that’s pretty special and not lost on the 22-year-old.
“I think I’ve just been reflecting on it, knowing what I’ve been through,” Smallwood said. “Not only a month ago, but all this year and past years. I’ve just been thankful and right before the game I just thanked God for the blessings he’s given me to go out and play this game every day. I think it just makes me more thankful for what I am and what I’m doing.”
