Falcons place rookie on injured reserve list, sign running back

Falcons place rookie on injured reserve list, sign running back to 53-man roster

The Atlanta Falcons‘ 2024 draft class has yet to make an impact this season, and that’s unlikely to change over the final four weeks. On Wednesday, the team placed sixth-round pick Jase McClellan on the injured reserve list due to a knee injury.

The Falcons signed running back Carlos Washington Jr. to the 53-man roster in a corresponding move. With just four weeks left in the season, McClellan’s 2024 campaign is officially over. The rookie running back appeared in two games, rushing for 32 yards on 13 carries.

Washington, a former undrafted free agent, has spent the last two seasons on Atlanta’s practice squad. The 25-year-old played well in the preseason, rushing for 71 yards and a touchdown. He should serve as the team’s third running back for the rest of the year.

The Falcons previously placed third-round pick Bralen Trice and second-rounder Ruke Orhorhoro on the injured reserve list. Trice won’t return this season but Orhorhoro has been designated to return from IR.

First-round pick Michael Penix Jr. has only appeared in two games this season and fourth-rounder Brandon Dorlus has been inactive for much of the year.

In Week 15, Atlanta will travel to Las Vegas to face off against the Raiders. The Falcons have lost four straight games and desperately need a win to stay alive in the NFC South race.

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