The Atlanta Falcons made a flurry of moves in order to get down to their intended 53-man roster. However, they are actually at 52 men at the current moment which begs the question of who gets the last roster spot. The Falcons could easily use another offensive lineman to add to the mix considering the health and depth at the position. They could also make a move for another player in the secondary. However, could a running back be the intended target before Week 1?
The Falcons intend to use Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman as their main running back rotation. Freeman has been out for the entire preseason following a hamstring injury while Coleman showed flashes of real potential in the limited amount of time he saw on the field. However, the Falcons announced they released Antone Smith leaving Terron Ward and Collin Mooney as the lone backs on the roster with the starting two. Does that mean the Falcons need to add another piece of talent especially while Freeman is not yet at 100 percent?
According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, the Falcons are an option for the newly released Montee Ball. The Denver Broncos parted ways with the former second round pick who failed to distinguish himself and plummeted on the depth chart this preseason. Ball cleared waivers and is available to sign anywhere and the Falcons could use him for help. Ward and Mooney are not expected to see significant playing time which leaves Atlanta with a second-year back and rookie as their main rotation. That is some cause for concern regardless of their talent.
It is unclear who the Week 1 starter will be. Freeman is still getting back into practice after missing a significant amount of time on the field. Coleman appears to be the favorite after showing talent in the final preseason game. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan plans on leading the offense with the ground game meaning they need as many healthy backs as possible.
Roddy White is also expected to be healthy Week 1 to contribute. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, White will be back following elbow surgery in the preseason. He will join Julio Jones as a starter while Leonard Hankerson, Justin Hardy, Devin Hester and Eric Weems battle to back them up. Hankerson emerged as a veteran star in the preseason and could be the favorite after showing real chemistry with quarterback Matt Ryan.