Falcons sign linebacker to roster, release former 7th-round pick

Falcons sign outside linebacker to roster, release former seventh-round pick

The Atlanta Falcons are still trying to find ways to improve their pass rush as they begin the final six-game stretch of the season. On Friday, the team signed outside linebacker Demone Harris off the 16-man practice squad.

Harris was elevated from the practice squad three times and now officially joins the team’s 53-man roster ahead of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 28-year-old has logged 97 defensive snaps this season, recording three tackles (one solo) and one pressure.

The Falcons had an open roster spot after releasing former seventh-round pick Jovaughn Gwyn from the roster on Thursday. The team selected Gwyn with pick No. 225 in the 2023 NFL draft out of South Carolina.

The 25-year-old appeared in two games for Atlanta over the last two seasons but never recorded an offensive snap as he played primarily on special teams.

Atlanta also made a few practice squad transactions on Friday, signing kicker Riley Patterson and releasing safety Dane Cruikshank. Patterson can provide insurance with Younghoe Koo listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Chargers.

Check out the team’s updated 53-man roster and practice squad entering Week 13. Sunday’s game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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