Travis Fulgham: The Latest Eagles Hero

The last two seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles have two things in common: slow starts and an abundance of injuries. The 2020 season has not been an exception. Through four weeks of the 2020 season, the Eagles held a record of 1-2-1 and a striking fifteen players on the Reserve/Injured list. Although injuries have hit the entire Eagles roster, a majority come from the offensive side of the ball. Once again, Carson Wentz is forced to play with an underwhelming group of wide receivers.

Underwhelming may not be the correct word to describe this group now. Rookies John Hightower and Quez Watkins have not contributed much so far, but continue to grow with the offense. Greg Ward, the Eagles hero from last season, has not missed a step with Carson Wentz and provides a consistent option in the slot. Even JJ Arcega-Whiteside got in on the action vs. the Steelers on Sunday with a big 37-yard reception, even if it meant nothing for the offense. However, the receiver that has provided the biggest spark to the offense so far was not even on the 53-man roster to start the season. His name is Travis Fulgham.

The former 6th round pick had yet to find a role in the National Football League. Fulgham spent to offseason with Philadelphia and was competing in, at the time, one of the deepest wide receiver groups in the league. After Jalen Reagor, Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson have all missed time with injury, Fulgham was asked to step up.

Despite his limited time in the offense, Fulgham had no problem developing a connection with Carson Wentz. Number 11 targeted the emerging wide receiver 12 times on Sunday, connecting on 10 of those passes. And these were not just check down throws. Fulgham went for 152 yards and 1 touchdown. Keep in mind, with a limited offseason, Wentz and Fulgham rarely spent time together in training camp. His ability to not only quickly integrate into the offense, but be a difference maker, is nothing short of impressive.

Going back to Week 4 vs the San Fransisco 49ers, Fulgham was remembered for his long touchdown reception from Wentz. Fulgham was used here as the boundary X receiver and ran a deep fly route to the endzone. Then against the Steelers, Fulgham was remembered for a lot more than just a touchdown reception. Throughout the game, I saw Fulgham line up at X, Y and F, on both the strong side and weak side of the ball, proving that he is truly a versatile weapon for the offense.

It appears that the wide receiver group is getting healthier soon, as DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery saw the practice field last week and when asked by a fan, Jalen Reagor says he will be back "soon". Even with a boost on offense, don't expect the connection between Wentz and Fulgham to fizzle out. Against the Steelers, Wentz made it clear that he felt confident throwing the ball to Travis Fulgham, all over the field..

It is early, but after two weeks with the Eagles, Travis Fulgham has led me to believe that he is not just a quick fix at wide receiver, he is an offensive weapon for the long term. If the Eagles are going to turn things around and bounce back from a 1-3-1 start, watch out for number 13.