Every so often, an undrafted rookie is elevated from the practice squad to the active roster.
The most notable in Texans history was Arian Foster. In Week 11 of 2009, he was active in a game against the Titans, and assisted on a special teams tackle for his only stat of the evening. He wore the number 27 on his jersey that evening, not the 23 he's donned since 2010. He flourished into one of the game's best running backs after that, but he started by contributing on special teams.
On Wednesday, Chandler Worthy took a step Foster once took in his NFL journey.
Because tight end Ryan Griffin went to the Injured Reserve/designation to return list, Worthy went from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. And the undrafted rookie receiver from Troy did so in a unique way.
"I got a call, I was shaking a little bit," Worthy said. "I was at Steak 'n Shake eating a burger and a shake and I walked outside and when he told me, just an extreme joy came over me."
The "extreme joy" is the opportunity to fulfill a dream of suiting up in a regular season NFL game. Bill O'Brien will have the ultimate say in that one, but the head coach is bullish on Worthy's versatility.
View all the best photos from Wednesday's practice as the Texans prepare for their Week 2 matchup against the Panthers.
"He can do a lot of different things," O'Brien said. "He's helped us on special teams, he can play receiver, he can play running back, he can play quarterback, so he can do a lot of different things for us so we'll see what he can do in this game."
While O'Brien reeled off four different spots Worthy can contribute, the rookie wouldn't pinpoint where he thinks he'll play. He instead focused on one of his best attributes.
"Mainly just speed, giving the team that speed element," Worthy said. "That's what I have to my advantage. I'm definitely trying to use it as much as I can."
Perhaps the best part of Worthy's day was relaying the news to his mother.
"I called her and she was screaming happy for me, it was a great moment in my life," Worthy said. "It was a beautiful moment for me."
The Texans and Worthy are hoping for beautiful moments on the field of play in the future.
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