The Atlanta Falcons are going to be thin at a few key positions as training camp kicks off this week. On Wednesday, the team placed outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list, as reported by ESPN’s Field Yates.
Another 24 players were placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list today, with 22 being the result of a positive test.
Those placed on the list include Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, Falcons DE/OLB Dante Fowler, Jr. and Bills OT Dion Dawkins.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) July 28, 2021
Tight end Lee Smith was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday, and the Falcons put three players — OL Kaleb McGary, DL Deadrin Senat and OL Matt Gono — on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list ahead of Thursday’s practice.
Fowler Jr. agreed to restructure his deal over the offseason after an underwhelming 2020 campaign. The soon-to-be 27-year-old edge rusher is still among the highest-paid players on the Falcons roster. With veteran defensive coordinator Dean Pees taking over the defense, there’s a chance for Fowler Jr. to be a key contributor when he returns from the COVID reserve.
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