The quarterback Falcons fans wanted to see the most on Saturday night was undrafted rookie Feleipe Franks. After an unfortunate injury to AJ McCarron early on, Franks played the majority of the game. Despite the prime opportunity to cement his role as the backup, Franks instead took two steps back during Atlanta’s 37-17 loss to Miami.
Franks competed four of nine passes for only 46 yards with an interception. The young QB did find wide receiver Tajae Sharpe in the end zone for what would have been a touchdown but the pass was dropped. On the ground, where Franks seems to be more effective, he went for 32 yards on three carries.
McCarron’s injury could be one that forces the Falcons into the free agency pool or possibly the trade market.
#Falcons coach Arthur Smith didn’t sound too optimistic about AJ McCarron’s knee injury. Waiting on the MRI. “It didn’t look good,” Smith said. pic.twitter.com/9yP301c9UI
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) August 22, 2021
Franks does the ability to extend plays in the pocket with his feet, another element that McCarron doesn’t have. However, the former Arkansas QB still has issues with his reads and is too trigger happy with his legs. These aren’t issues you can fix in a week.
Through his first two preseason games, Franks has competed six of eight passes for 62 yards and the likelihood that he makes the 53-man roster, or practice squad, appears to be dwindling. With plans to play starters next week against the Browns, and the likely addition of another QB, Franks could see his rep count drop considerably.
Current free agent quarterbacks include Josh Rosen, Blake Bortles, and I think Jacksonville released a guy last week but can't remember the name.
— Justin Felder (@Justin_FOX5) August 22, 2021
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