PHILADELPHIA -- Rod Smart, the running back whose "He Hate Me" slogan on the back of his jersey became a symbol of the defunct XFL, is a step closer to playing in the NFL.

Smart, on the practice squad of the Philadelphia Eagles since Oct. 2, was added to the 53-man roster. He practiced Wednesday for the first time as a member of the active roster.

"I like his speed, his quickness and I think he can help us possibly on special teams as one of the fliers," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "He's a tough kid from what I've seen. I look forward to seeing him do our stuff and not the scout team stuff."

The Eagles have a key NFC East matchup with the Redskins on Sunday.

Smart replaced safety Terrence Carroll, who was released Monday three days after he was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana. Linebacker Dax Strohmeyer took Smart's spot on the practice squad.

The 5-foot-11, 191-pound Smart was second in the XFL in rushing, gaining 555 yards on 146 carries and scoring three touchdowns for the Las Vegas Outlaws. He also led the team in receptions with 27 for 245 yards.

But he was known less for his running than for "He Hate Me," which he proudly displayed on his back instead of his given name in a league that encouraged players to plaster anything they wanted on their jerseys.

Smart isn't likely to get many carries with the Eagles. He's behind Duce Staley, Correll Buckhalter and Brian Mitchell on the depth chart.

Smart played at Western Kentucky under coach Jack Harbaugh, father of John Harbaugh, the Eagles' special teams coach. He also is a first cousin of Freddie Mitchell, the Eagles' wide receiver, with whom he grew up in Lakeland, Fla.