For the first time since January, Terrance Ferguson took the field for a football game. It may have only been a preseason contest, but he was just happy to be out there playing for the Los Angeles Rams.
He made his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday after missing two weeks with a groin injury, playing about half the game and making a big impact. He caught a 33-yard pass on a slot fade against one-on-one coverage, and a few plays later, he picked up 15 yards on a crossing route.
It was a positive debut for Ferguson, but how did he feel?
“It felt really good to be out there with the guys, be able to play football,” he said. “It’s such a blessing to be out there whenever you are, so it felt really good being back.”
Health-wise, Ferguson feels back to full strength, crediting the job everyone in the Rams’ building has done to help him recover from that nagging groin injury.
It doesn’t seem to be bothering him anymore, saying it “felt great out there” after the game.
“Everyone’s done a great job of just making sure that I’m healthy and where I need to be. Felt good out there. It was great,” he said.
Ferguson played in some big games during his time at Oregon, including a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against Ohio State last season. This was his first NFL contest and when asked whether it felt different, he said, “a little bit.”
“You look at the logo on the helmets and it just means a little more,” Ferguson said. “It’s a dream as a kid to come play in the NFL so I think a little bit, but I’ve played in some big games and just being able to develop and learn from that guys that I’ve got in my room and be able to learn and practice against some of the best players in the NFL, so it’s a mix of both.”
The Rams have high hopes for Ferguson, the 46th overall pick in the draft this year. He’s a talented receiver and a developing blocker, making him a well-rounded tight end with an exceptionally high ceiling.
With Tyler Higbee to learn from, Ferguson is poised to have a great career in Los Angeles.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams’ Terrance Ferguson reflects on NFL debut vs. Browns