In what has been a strange unfolding of events, the Falcons have placed cornerback Kendall Sheffield on Injured Reserve. The former fourth-round pick hasn’t been seen at practice for weeks, and before the initial 53-man roster was assembled, I figured he’d certainly be a cut candidate. He hardly participated in any of training camp, while Chris Williamson and T.J. Green impressed.
Once he was listed on the roster, I just assumed the front office would immediately place him on the IR. The staff certainly has an angle to play with these sort of choices the fan base doesn’t clearly see, evident in the Josh Harris fiasco that netted minimal salary cap gain.
Still, I don’t see this as some sort of ploy to get out of his contract by any means. Arthur Smith said earlier that Sheffield “should be getting close.” I would expect the Falcons to bring him back sometime around Week 4 against the Washington Football Team, but I would be shocked if he cracked the top three cornerbacks — A.J. Terrell, Fabian Moreau, and Isaiah Oliver.
I’m happy Sheffield was given a chance to prove himself rather than just being waived with an injury settlement. There is still a possibility this staff gets something out of him the previous one couldn’t; after all, I fully expect Oliver to impress in the slot this year. It could be a similar situation for Sheffield.
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