Falcons place third-round pick on IR, sign three players to roster

The Atlanta Falcons placed rookie outside linebacker Bralen Trice and cornerback Harrison Hand on the injured reserve list in a flurry of moves announced by the team on Sunday. Atlanta signed wide receiver Jakeem Grant, running back Spencer Brown and quarterback John Paddock.

The Falcons also released former CFL quarterback Nathan Rourke in a corresponding transaction. Rourke had an up-and-down performance in Friday’s preseason loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Trice was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft and had played well in Atlanta’s preseason opener before tearing his ACL late in the first half. The rookie is a big loss as the team did very little to upgrade that outside linebacker position during the offseason.

Grant, 31, is a former Pro Bowl kick returner who suffered back-to-back season-ending injuries in 2022 and 2023. With Rondale Moore going down, Grant should be able to contribute as a fourth/fifth wideout and bring some juice to Atlanta’s return game.

Brown, 25, appeared in six games for Carolina from 2021-2022, recording nine carries for 43 rushing yards. The veteran running back can provide some depth and help on special teams.

Paddock was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Falcons a few months ago. After temporarily losing his job to Rourke, the former Illinois quarterback now returns to Atlanta for a second look.