Brian Banks may be a fan-favorite player in Atlanta, but the truth is the Falcons linebacker was risking release the moment he signed. Banks had been trying to pick his life back up after being falsely accused of rape. After being a high school football star, he was set to continue playing at USC before being arrested. Now trying to make the impossible possible by playing in the NFL, the feel-good story has come to end.
Fox Sports confirmed Banks had been released by the Falcons on Friday. Banks was not feeling any anxiety regarding the roster cuts approaching tomorrow. Banks has been working hard to make his comeback with the Falcons. After training camp and preseason play, he simply did not show enough to remain on the team.
"No anxiety whatsoever," Banks said, via Atlanta Journal Constitution. "I tried my hardest, I worked my hardest when I came out on the field in the time I had to do what I do. It's all up to coaches from here."
In three preseason games, Banks played a total of 31 snaps. In Thursdays loss to the Jaguars, Banks finished with two tackles and one for a loss. While his opportunities were very limited on the field, he made a strong impression with coaches and players alike. Head coach Mike Smith has praised the linebacker for his attitude throughout the entire process.
"He has really matured and progressed as a football player since we've had him on our roster. He has been a great teammate to the guys in the locker room," Smith said.
Banks considered just simply signing with the Falcons in the offseason was a win enough. Making the roster is deemed almost impossible for a player that has not seen the field since high school. The linebacker showed he can handle playing in the NFL, another year of practice could lead to something better..
The linebacker joins several players on the bubble for the Falcons. Running back Ronnie Wingo certainly proved he had talent in college, but has seen limited field time with Antone Smith and Josh Vaughan excel in the preseason. The Falcons will likely only keep three running backs on the roster and the rookie is likely out.
Darius Johnson is another player struggling to make the team. While Johnson has been very impressive in the preseason, the Falcons receiving corps is crowded and with a lot of talent. While Johnson has displayed talent, there simply is not enough room with Drew Davis and Kevin Cone emerging as stars.
All three players could find room on the practice squad. If injuries hit Atlanta, they could find themselves promoted at any point in the season.