An early injury and the emergence of Jalen Cropper had many fearing Ryan Flournoy would be a practice squad player, but he’s completely turned that notion on its head as he made roster cuts. It’s one thing to have the prototypical look and athleticism of an NFL wide receiver, but it’s something else entirely to be able to make plays that good receivers can make.

Flournoy proved to be a capable route runner against the Raiders, putting their starting cornerback in the mixer and beating him on a fade route for a touchdown, but that can be excused more as a defender guessing wrong on a slant than a positive play by the offense.

What Flournoy did against the Chargers to score is another story entirely. He had to overcome a corner one-on-one, catch the ball over his shoulder, get some distance with his hands before receiving the ball and getting down on his knees in the field. That’s a play that top receivers make in games, and if Flournoy can combine his excellent NFL physique and athleticism with that type of play, he’ll be an impact player in the league.