Report: Atlanta Falcons releasing Leonard Hankerson from injured reserve
The Atlanta Falcons are releasing Leonard Hankerson from injured reserve, per ProFootballTalk.
It looks like Leonard Hankerson’s time with the Atlanta Falcons is over. Per ProFootballTalk, the Falcons are releasing the wide receiver from injured reserve.
Falcons are releasing WR Leonard Hankerson from IR today; he will be eligible to be claimed on waivers.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 15, 2015
Hankerson was signed by the Falcons in free agency ahead of the 2014 season, but has struggled with injuries throughout the season. This has been an issue for his entire career. With Roddy White’s production dropping this year, Hankerson was the clear No. 2 behind Julio Jones on the depth chart.
But Hankerson’s struggles weren’t just with injury. The former Redskin dropped too many passes, and was unable to help stretch the field on offense. It will be interesting to see if Hankerson is claimed on waivers by any team.
What does this mean for the Falcons?
Short term, not much. Hankerson was out for the season anyway. Long term, it could signal the Falcons will be looking to stock up at the position in the offseason. Whether this is by splashing out on a name in free agency or selecting a rookie in April’s draft is a decision they will need to make.
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Hankerson played in just eight games for the Falcons this season, making 26 receptions for 327 yards and three touchdowns. If he was able to stay healthy, he could have played a role on offense for the remainder of the season.
He surpassed the 100-yard mark once, which came in the Week 4 blowout victory over the Houston Texans. That day, he caught six passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. Since then, he has been held under 38 receiving yards in each game he has played.
Hankerson has only completed all 16 games a season once in his career, which was back in 2012 as a member of the Washington Redskins.
Stay tuned to Blogging Dirty for further updates.