At Tuesday’s roster cut deadline, the Atlanta Falcons placed second-year safety DeMarcco Hellams on the injured reserve list with a return designation. The former seventh-round pick out of Alabama was injured in the first quarter of the team’s preseason loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Hellams has to miss the first four games but can return by Week 5, assuming he’s fully healthy. The Falcons signed veteran safety Justin Simmons last week to play opposite Jessie Bates III. Richie Grant and Micah Abernathy will back up Atlanta’s Pro Bowl duo until Hellams returns.
The Falcons kept nine total defensive backs (five cornerbacks and four safeties) and three quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster. Taylor Heinicke survived cutdown day amid speculation he could be traded or released.
Defensive backs Kevin King and Natrone Brooks were among the most surprising defensive cuts. Wide receiver Chris Blair also failed to make the team despite a strong training camp and preseason.
The Falcons kept just five wide receivers and rookie Casey Washington got the nod over Blair. Check out the complete 53-man roster HERE!