The Atlanta Falcons have announced a series of roster moves ahead of their Sunday matchup against the Denver Broncos, addressing injuries and lineup adjustments. Here’s a breakdown:
Key Moves:
1. Injured Reserve Placements:
– Defensive linemen Ta’Quon Graham and James Smith-Williams have been placed on injured reserve.
– Graham, a solid rotational player and run defender, will likely be replaced by Brandon Dorlus, Kentavius Street, and others.
– Smith-Williams, known for his reliable run defense and one sack this season, will see his role filled by the returning Lorenzo Carter.
2. Activations:
– Center Drew Dalman and outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter have been activated from IR.
– Dalman is expected to resume his starting center duties, with hopes of improving pass protection and maintaining strong run blocking.
– Carter, coming off a rough start this season, will aim to regain his 2022-23 form as a dependable defensive piece.
3. Roster Adjustments:
– Cornerback Natrone Brooks was signed to the active roster.
– Brooks, a standout during the summer, is likely to play a significant role on special teams and could be called upon at cornerback due to injuries.
– Outside linebacker Khalid Kareem and safety Dane Cruikshank were elevated from the practice squad.
– Kareem may contribute in limited snaps as Carter works back into form, while Cruikshank will focus on special teams, stepping in if needed for defensive depth.
– Center Matt Hennessy joined the practice squad as an emergency interior line option.
– Wide receiver and returner Jakeem Grant was released.
Impact:
– The Falcons are addressing significant depth concerns, particularly on the defensive line and secondary, while bolstering their offensive line with Dalman’s return.
– The team faces a challenging game against Denver but hopes these adjustments will provide the necessary support for a strong performance.
Stay tuned to see how these changes influence the Falcons’ strategy on Sunday.
