The Falcons have made a flurry of roster moves, including acquiring two players off waivers and signing a bevy to the team’s practice squad. Atlanta bolstered the trenches by claiming Matt Dickerson and Chuma Edoga.
Waiver claims! pic.twitter.com/O28iiC5IdV
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 31, 2022
Dickerson hasn’t played much since entering the league in 2018 as an undrafted free agent, but he has the versatility to play all over the line of scrimmage — something Dean Pees values in defensive linemen. At this point, Dickerson joins the position group with the least depth on the team.
Edoga comes in to compete at the right tackle spot with Kaleb McGary, but more than likely, he’s just a reserve player. He’s a better run blocker than pass blocker, and he could be the team’s swing tackle in a pinch. If Edoga overtakes McGary, that will signal the end of the former first-round pick’s time in Atlanta.
Practice Squad
TE MyCole Pruitt, RB Caleb Huntley, WR Cameron Batson, S Teez Tabor, WR Josh Ali, WR Frank Darby, C Ryan Neuzil, T Tyler Vrabel, OLB Jordan Brailford, G Justin Shaffer, CB Matt Hankins, DL Derrick Tangelo, CB Ka’Dar Hollman
Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network reports Pruitt signed with the Falcons practice squad because he’s a veteran and can play a reserve role behind the team’s rostered tight ends. He’s a better blocker than receiver but still offers some ability to threaten defenses.
Mike Rothstein of ESPNÂ reported the news on Huntley, who was always a lock to be signed back to the practice squad if he cleared waivers. He’s a powerful back but is just in a crowded position group.
Batson makes the practice squad after being beaten out by Jared Bernhardt. He can play a role on special teams and be a reserve receiver in case of emergency. Tabor is a veteran Swiss army knife and is brought back to the practice squad. He can play a hybrid role in Dean Pees defense, so the insurance at multiple positions is valuable.
Ali was a bit of a surprise, but he’s nothing more than a special teamer at this point. Darby ending up on the practice squad is something I predicted; his infectious personality will be enough to keep him around. Neuzil seems to be one of the staff’s favorites, so it’s no surprise he was brought back on the practice squad, according to ESPN’s Mike Rothstein.
Vrabel also made the practice squad, according to reports from Ari Meirov of Pro Football Focus. The son of Mike Vrabel probably won’t make any significant contributions this season, though.
Kelly Price of FOX 5 reports Brailford joins the Falcons practice squad, who could be worth developing as a pass rusher. Shaffer was cut after spending only a few months with the team, but his prowess as a run blocker will be enough for the staff to take their time in developing the sixth-round pick.
Hankins looked decent in limited action this preseason and will have more time to develop on the practice squad. Tangelo was someone I figured would make the active roster, so don’t be surprised if he’s activated sometime during the season. Hollman got his start with the Packers, but he couldn’t catch on in one of the best secondaries in football. He’s a decent option to be activated to the 53-man roster at some point this season.
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Photographer: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire
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