For a while, it looked like Kerryon Johnson was going to be the number two running back for the Philadelphia Eagles.

A former second-round pick from Auburn who spent three years in Detroit before landing in South Philly via the waiver wire on May 7, Johnson joined a body of power-starved running backs with only Jordan Howard battling for a place as a team member. short back.

Almost three years younger than Howard with similar pass protection prowess and the added benefit of getting to know Jim Bob Cooter, now OC Lions special assistant, Johnson appeared to have the inside track for a spot on. the list of 53 men … at least until he got hurt.

After missing the final days of training camp with a knee injury, Johnson was lifted on August 17 with an injury designation and returned to the Eagles’ reserve list after clearing waivers. While Johnson could have accepted his fate – and his checks – for the remainder of the season on IR, he was finally lifted again nine days later and was therefore allowed to sign with one of the other 31 teams in the NFL once healthy.

On September 14, it finally happened.

Kerryon Johnson was raised by the Philadelphia Eagles Week 2 nemesis.

The San Francisco 49ers haven’t had much luck as running back this season.

After losing their best rusher, Raheem Mostert, to an IR-worthy knee injury four times in Week 1, the Niners opted to sign Kerryon Johnson to their practice squad and claim the former Baltimore Ravens rusher Trenton Cannon to complete their rotation.

Okay, not ideal, but a problem every NFL team faces – just ask the Philadelphia Eagles and Brandon Graham.

Then, six days later, they did it again, removing Jacques Patrick from the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad on the 21st, then signing former Washington rusher Chris Thompson to their practice squad the next day.

Why? Well, because the team’s opening day third string rusher, Baylor UDFA JaMycal Hasty, was placed on IR after an abridged afternoon against the Birds in a winning effort at the Linc.

For those keeping a track at home, that left just two of the Niners’ top four running backs, 2021 sixth-round pick Elijah Mitchell and 2021 third-round pick Trey Sermon on the active roster, none of whom is only locked to play in week 3 after respectfully sustaining a right shoulder and concussion in week 2.

So, just like that, Johnson went from unemployed to the most titular member of the active 49ers backfield in the span of two weeks, with a very real chance of seeing the field in a legitimate role for the 49ers against. the Green Bay Packers in the team’s home opener at Levi’s Stadium.

Will it work? Will Kerryon Johnson be able to take advantage of an injury-fueled opportunity in his new long-term contract at one of the top teams in the NFC? Only time will tell, but after seeing his 2021 season come to an end before it even starts for the Philadelphia Eagles, it’s pretty cool to see the former Auburn Eagle take over the field, especially since the two teams have already faced each other in week two.