The Atlanta Falcons suffered two serious injuries during Friday’s preseason loss to the Miami Dolphins. Safety DeMarcco Hellams and outside linebacker Bralen Trice each went down in the first half and did not return.
While there’s been no official update, the Falcons appear to be on the verge of adding two players to their roster, a possible sign that Hellams and Trice could be headed to the injured reserve list. According to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the team is expected to sign former Pro Bowl kick returner Jakeem Grant.
The 31-year-old has 100 career catches for 1,140 receiving yards, and can return both kicks and punts. Signing Grant makes sense as the Falcons placed wide receiver Rondale Moore on the injured reserve list last week.
Veteran return man Jakeem Grant is signing with the #Falcons on a one-year deal, per source.
A two-time second-team All-Pro, Grant is coming off consecutive season-ending injuries. But he’s been dynamic when he’s on the field. More speed for Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/nHOMB5iwTp
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 10, 2024
Grant suffered back-to-back season-ending injuries but made the Pro Bowl during his last healthy season in 2021. That isn’t the only move the Falcons are expected to make, though.
According to a report from NFL reporter Tanner Phifer, Atlanta is set to sign former Panthers running back Spencer Brown. The 25-year-old appeared in six games for Carolina from 2021-2022, recording nine carries for 43 rushing yards.
Signing Brown would add depth to Atlanta’s backfield while bringing some special teams value.
