Atlanta Falcons roster cut downs are upon us
The day fans look forward to the most and the day NFL players across the league hate to see come – cut day. The Atlanta Falcons will have to have their roster trimmed from 90 to 53 by 4 pm this afternoon.
Given the change in defensive scheme and a few young players on the roster having stellar preseasons, the Atlanta Falcons roster will look a little different than in years past. Expect for them to carry more offensive and defensive linemen, running backs, and tight-ends than in previous years.
Carrying more at these positions means the Falcons will likely mean no true fullback and fewer linebackers, receivers and secondary personnel than we have seen under Dan Quinn.
Lastly, do not be surprised to see the Falcons carry two kickers; both Giorgio Tavecchio and Matt Bryant – should they agree on a contract today. Matt Bryant told ESPN that he was letting his agent and the Falcons hammer out those details. Every player has a number, Bryant’s number will be less than the four million he was scheduled to make, but how much less remains to be seen.
The reason behind two kickers is simple. Matt Bryant has not handles kickoffs in 12 seasons and Matt Bosher does not have a good enough leg to keep handling kickoff duties. Tavecchio has actually been pretty good in this regard.
Bubble players like Duke Riley, Jermaine Grace, Bruce Carter, John Wetzel, Matt Gono, Justin Hardy, and Christian Blake will be on pins and needles waiting for that call. We believe that Hardy, Riley, Wetzel, and Blake will get cut by 4 pm. Grace, Carter and Matt Gono will all start the year off on the active roster.
Duke Riley spent a lot of time sideline this preseason and while he looked much improved the last couple of weeks, was it enough to earn a spot over a guy like Jermaine Grace who has been impressive with each snap and seems to be further ahead in his development? We will find out by 4 pm.
The Falcons are also in a good spot in regards to their practice squad. Once a player is cut and clears waivers, the Falcons will be able to bring them back and add ten to their practice squad. Danny Etling and Austin Larkin are two that seem destined for this designation.
Next. Defensive evolution of the Atlanta Falcons under Dan Quinn. dark
Keep Blogging Dirty locked in today as we will keep you updated on all the roster moves the Falcons make today.