Falcons Likely To Sign Running Back

The Falcons’ running back corps is hurting, and given that the club isn’t going to play either Devonta Freeman or Tevin Coleman in its final preseason contest, Atlanta is aiming to sign a back before Thursday’s tuneup against the Jaguars, head coach Dan Quinn told reporters, including Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com (Twitter link).Dan Quinn

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While Terron Ward is set to see most of the Atlanta backfield snaps, Brandon Wilds was also scheduled to play a role. But now that Wilds is injured, Gus Johnson was waived, and Cyrus Gray was released with an injury settlement, the Falcons simply don’t have the bodies to get through Thursday’s game. Freeman and Coleman certainly aren’t going to be risked, and fullback Patrick DiMarco probably won’t play either, given that he’s a pretty important piece of the Atlanta offense.

Veteran free agents such as Joique Bell, Donald Brown, and Ahmad Bradshaw remain on the open market, but experienced players are probably unwilling to suit up for one game with the knowledge that they have no chance to make the roster. As such, the Falcons will likely end up signing a low-profile back, or perhaps even a college free agent who simply wants to get some snaps.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

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