National Football League

Jaguars activate Colvin, waive free-agent disappointment Watson

Published Nov. 11, 2014 5:15 p.m. ET

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars activated rookie cornerback Aaron Colvin on Tuesday for the first time this season and, in doing so, rid themselves of one of their free-agent signings from earlier this year.

Jacksonville waived outside linebacker Dekoda Watson to make room on its roster for Colvin, a fourth-round draft pick who sustained an ACL injury in January at the Senior Bowl. Watson signed a three-year, $6.25 million contract (only $1.5 million guaranteed) with the Jaguars in March after spending the previous four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Watson was expected to be the leading candidate for the newly created OTTO linebacker spot, but he missed all of Jacksonville's organized team activities and training camp because of a groin injury that required surgery. His one start came Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Despite being in on more than half of the Jaguars' defensive snaps in that game, Watson had just two tackles and eight on defense all season. With his departure, the Jaguars will likely go with LaRoy Reynolds, who lost the starting job at that spot after three games. Another option is moving middle linebacker J.T. Thomas there, provided Jeremiah George has recovered from the ankle injury that caused him to be deactivated before the 31-17 loss in London.

Colvin had been on the reserve/non-football injury list but began practicing with the Jaguars two weeks ago. He picked off five passes in his last two years at Oklahoma and will join a team with five interceptions in 10 games and only two from its defensive backs.

"The biggest part for me wasn't my knee," he said. "It was just getting back into football mode, getting back to doing the things I've been doing my whole life. I've had a chance to sit back for two weeks and actually do that at practice, and now it's time to roll."

Asked if there was any question whether he would play for the Jaguars at some point this season, Colvin replied: "No. There was zero doubt."

Head coach Gus Bradley said he expects Colvin to be used in the nickel package because he has been pleased with the play at cornerback of second-year pro Demetrius McCray, who became a starter following an injury to Alan Ball.

"I'm happy that I can go in and compete at the nickel position," Colvin said. "Whatever it is they need, I'm going to go and compete."

The Jaguars also claimed third-year cornerback Teddy Williams off waivers from the Chicago Bears. In addition to Watson, first-year cornerback Peyton Thompson was waived from the 53-man roster and rookie cornerback Lou Young from the practice squad.

You can follow Ken Hornack on Twitter @HornackFSFla or email him at khornack32176@gmail.com.

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