Falcons make roster moves ahead of their pivotal Week 15 matchup with the 49ers

The Falcons, on the edge of the playoff race, are set to travel to Levi’s Stadium in a matchup against another playoff-hopeful team in the 49ers. Atlanta has been fortunate this season with most of their players remaining healthy, outside of the loss of Calvin Ridley, who is still away from the team as he focuses on his mental wellbeing. However, that run of luck has recently lost steam as the team announced Erik Harris is out for the season after tearing his pec. Ahead of their Week 15 matchup with San Francisco, the Falcons have made several roster moves.

We have designated LB Daren Bates to return to practice today.

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 15, 2021

We have signed LB Rashad Smith and DB Will Sunderland to the practice squad.

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 14, 2021

Bates is the most notable of the bunch. Initially, he was signed to play a prominent role on special teams, where the Falcons have struggled this season. Against the Jets and Washington Football Team, Atlanta gave up a pair of explosive kick returns, but Bates should help negate those going forward. A knee injury kept him out for nearly a month, but his return couldn’t have come at a better time as the Falcons placed Emmanuel Ellerbee on the reserve/COVID-19 list, who was also a core special teamer.