The Atlanta Falcons signed versatile wide receiver/kick returner Jakeem Grant to their 90-man roster on Sunday as a replacement for injured receiver Rondale Moore. Grant is no stranger to the injury bug, suffering back-to-back season-ending injuries in 2022 and 2023.
Even though the Falcons were off Tuesday, the team’s Twitter account released a photo of Grant making his debut in a Falcons uniform. The former Pro Bowl return man was wearing the No. 84, the number previously worn by another Atlanta return specialist.
Oh hey, @_TheDreamIsHere pic.twitter.com/3HT3HBwVgX
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 13, 2024
Former Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson had a memorable run in Atlanta from 2021-2023. Patterson became a fan favorite by doing whatever the team asked of him on the field. Plus, his big personality provided some much-needed levity during those dry years under former head coach Arthur Smith.
Patterson was not re-signed over the offseason, eventually landing a contract in Pittsburgh where Smith is now the offensive coordinator. In 2021, Patterson went over 1,000 all-purpose yards in somewhat of a breakout year.
It’s unclear what Grant’s role will be yet, but seeing the No. 84 will certainly bring back memories of Patterson’s three seasons in Atlanta. The Falcons and Steelers face off in Week 1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
