Days like today are some of the toughest for an NFL head coach and his staff, when they have to tell hard-working young men “Thanks for the effort, but we wish you well in the future.” The NFL mandates that all teams cut rosters down to 53 players today, and the Atlanta Falcons announced their final roster cuts a few hours ago.
As reported in my earlier column, the Falcons have now officially waived the following notable players:
Linebacker – Spencer Adkins
Cornerback – Dominique Franks
Center – Tyler Horn
Defensive tackle – Conrad Obi
Linebacker – Pat Schiller
Wide Receiver – James Rodgers
Tight End – Lamark Brown (Injury Settlement)
Two other surprises in the Falcons cuts today were fullback Mike Cox, who many believed to have locked up the starting fullback position, and long snapper Joe Zelenka.
The release of Cox, who the Falcons picked up from the Kansas City Chiefs in 2011, could possibly be an indication to the truth of some rumors surrounding the Falcons and former Washington Redskins tight end, Chris Cooley. There has been speculation that the Falcons have been looking hard at Cooley, who is known as an exceptional blocking tight end, and could possibly be used in a two tight end set for Atlanta.
Also waived were wide receiver Kerry Meier, linebacker Rico Council, wide receiver Drew Davis, tackle Bryce Harris, linebacker Jerrell Harris, wide receiver Marcus Jackson, cornerback Marty Markett, running back Dimitri Nance, defensive tackle Micanor Regis, cornerback Peyton Thompson, and safety Suaesi Tuimaunei. Atlanta has also reached an injury settlement with guard Andrew Jackson.
The Falcons also placed safety Shann Schillinger on injured reserve.
