Washington Redskins practice-squader needs just one hand for NFL Catch of the Year

Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Less than 24 hours after being called up from the practice squad, wide receiver Maurice Harris provided a sensational touchdown catch for the Washington Redskins.

Harris, who also celebrated his 25th birthday a day before his promotion, was called up on Saturday with defensive lineman Brandon Banks to the Redskins' active roster.

On Sunday he provided the Redskins with a spark, and an unbelievable touchdown snatch.

The Redskins and Minnesota Vikings were scoreless just four minutes into their Week 10 clash at FedExField in Landover, Md. Washington took the game's opening possession down to the Vikings' 36-yard-line.

Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins took a 1st and 10 snap and faked a handoff to running back Rob Kelley. He then eyed Harris on the outside before lobbing a deep ball to his right.

Harris turned around Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes about a yard into his route. He then flew by the defensive back's right shoulder. Waynes caught up and the two locked arms, but Harris was able to free his right arm, extending it out for the attempt.

Harris held out the arm and corralled the Cousins pass with one hand. His hand crossed the goal line just before his knee came down, giving the Redskins six points to open the game.

"Yeah, it was just a go route," Harris told reporters after the 38-30 loss. "Kind of worked my guy at the line. I was running, I looked up and I saw the ball and I just reacted to it. I was surprised myself. I figured I was in but I wasn't 100 percent sure."

Harris had two catches for 50 yards and a score in the loss. It was his first career touchdown. The 6-foot-3, 200 pound pass catcher joined the Redskins in 2016 as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Cal. He had 66 yards on eight catches in 10 games last season for the Redskins.

"He's been doing that in practice now, made one earlier this week that was a top-10 type play, a one-handed catch so it wasn't too much of a surprise to us," Cousins told reporters.

"We were so excited to have him become activated because he has practiced at a level that was deserving of that, last year as well. And at the end of the season last year, he probably didn't get as many opportunities as he or we would've liked, but I think we're excited about him going forward and what he can bring to the table and on top of that his ability and those hands, being a natural receiver. He's the right kind of guy. He understands the running game well, blocks well, does his job, very unselfish, just the right kind of guy for your team."