Matthew

Tucker

Tucker (6-foot 3/8, 221) was a four-year committee back for the Horned Frogs, compiling 2,602 yards and 33 touchdowns on 494 carries (5.27 YPC). He only had 29 career receptions. Tucker ran 4.55 at the Combine with an impressive 1.54 ten-yard split. Though he lacks lateral ability and is a straight-ahead power back, Tucker is worth keeping an eye on because he’s big with some initial giddy-up. He’s the second priority UDFA running back signed by the Eagles -- they also added Stony Brook’s Miguel Maysonet.

UDFA Tucker is a practice squad candidate. The Eagles opted to keep only Bryce Brown and Chris Polk behind LeSean McCoy on the final 53.

The extent is unknown. Tucker added a 15-yard reception on his lone target. A second-year UDFA out of TCU, Tucker got extended run because LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles barely played, and Chris Polk is injured. Any running back in a Chip Kelly offense is worth keeping tabs on, but Tucker has a tall ladder to climb toward fantasy relevance. He hurt his chances early in the second half, losing a fumble that was recovered by Bears LB Khaseem Greene.

He faces an 8-9 month recovery timetable after suffering a torn quad. Tucker spent 2014 on Philadelphia’s practice squad.

They apparently went with Tucker over more-impressive UDFA Henry Josey. Tucker is a theoretically more complete back, albeit without Josey’s “juice.”

Tucker was battling Chris Polk for No. 3 duties behind LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles. The winner would have ostensibly been Shady’s backup, as Sproles wouldn’t serve in a workhorse role were McCoy to go down. A second-year undrafted free agent out of TCU, Tucker rushed 24 times for 125 yards and four touchdowns in the preseason. He could earn a look on waivers.

He worked as Philly’s No. 3 tailback behind LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles, although Chris Polk (hamstring) remains sidelined. Tucker is on the bubble, but has helped himself with a strong August, compiling 18 runs for 86 yards (4.78 YPC) and a preseason-NFL-high four rushing TDs, to go with a 15-yard catch. With McCoy, Sproles, and probably Polk locked in, Tucker, Henry Josey, and Kenjon Barner are likely vying for one roster spot.

With Chris Polk (shoulder) sidelined for Sunday’s game, Tucker will serve as the No. 3 running back this week. He went undrafted out of TCU this past April and will likely be re-stashed on the practice squad when Polk returns.