The Falcons released 11 veterans and placed nine players on different reserve lists in their efforts to get down to 53 on the active roster:
Released:
DT Eric Johnson II
OLB Azeez Ojulari
DE Cameron Sample
LB Channing Tindall
DT Marlon Tuipulotu
DT Chris Williams
Waived/injured:
Waived:
C James Brockermeyer
G Kam Dewberry
WR Dylan Drummond
T Riley Mahlman
DT Devonnsha Maxwell
LB Daveren Rayner
G Jaeden Roberts
TE Joshua Simon
LB Bralen Trice
TE Jack Velling
CB A.J. Woods
Placed on IR (designated to return):
Placed on IR:
Placed on reserve/PUP:
Placed on reserve/NFI:
Placed on reserve/suspended list:
The Falcons opted to hold on to all four quarterbacks — like a number of teams this year — as Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa attempt to win the starting job, backed up by veteran Cooper Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand out of Minnesota State-Moorhead. They’ll only carry two running backs on the roster — Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr.
Bryant, an undrafted rookie with the team last year, made his way from the practice squad to the active roster and made one start in seven game appearances. The three-time first-team Big 12 cornerback will find his way to the waiver wire in his sophomore campaign. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, if he clears waivers, the team would like him to return to their practice squad.
The Falcons kept one undrafted rookie on the roster. Akron cornerback Malcolm DeWalt IV is one of 13 defensive backs on the roster. He was a top performer on the Zips last year and joins a cornerbacks group with AJ Terrell, Mike Hughes, Avieon Terrell, C.J. Henderson, Mike Ford Jr., and Jammie Robinson.