The Atlanta Falcons received reinforcements on Tuesday ahead of the team’s Week 18 matchup against the Saints after missing several players the prior week versus the Bills. Atlanta lost 29-15 to Buffalo, which eliminated them from postseason contention, but the few players that were on the reserve/COVID-19 list wouldn’t have likely made a difference.
Those players that missed Week 17 have now cleared protocols and rejoined the team. The likes of Marlon Davidson, Hayden Hurst, Jaylinn Hawkins, James Vaughters, Tajae Sharpe and Willie Beavers were activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of the season finale.
The Falcons don’t have much to play for in this final week, but they have the chance to play spoiler for a playoff-hopeful Saints team. Davidson, Hurst, and Hawkins are the prominent contributors the team is excited to have back, especially considering how thin the Falcons secondary has been in recent weeks since losing veteran Erik Harris.
Hurst’s return is also well-timed because Kyle Pitts‘ status for Sunday’s divisional game is still up in the air after injuring his hamstring before halftime of the Bills game. The Falcons, being without Hurst against Buffalo, elevated Parker Hesse from the practice squad, and he made the most of his opportunity. Hesse was signed to the active roster on Tuesday; it seems like a reward for him and a precaution if Pitts can’t go.
Lastly, the team waived Matt Barkley after claiming him off waivers a week ago when Feleipe Franks was also placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
You must log in to post a comment.