The Atlanta Falcons have signed cornerback Natrone Brooks off the practice squad as injuries continue to pile up at the defensive back position. The team ruled out three cornerbacks — Mike Hughes, Dee Alford and Antonio Hamilton — for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.
Brooks, 24, has spent the last two seasons on the practice squad. The former Southern Mississippi standout shined during the preseason for Atlanta but did not make the team’s 53-man roster out of training camp.
In the Falcons’ 13-12 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Brooks led all defensive players with 13 combined tackles, one tackle for loss and one forced fumble. He was also the team’s highest-rated defensive player that week, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 89.6 and a coverage grade of 90.5.
During Brooks’ three years at Southern Mississippi, he recorded 86 tackles (54 solo), 18 passes defended and four interceptions. The young defensive back also has some kick and punt return ability, which should help his chances of staying on the 53-man roster.
The Falcons announced a handful of other transactions on Saturday, placing Ta’Quon Graham and James Smith-Williams on the injured reserve list and activating Drew Dalman and Lorenzo Carter. Atlanta released kick returner Jakeem Grant from the practice squad and replaced him with offensive lineman Matt Hennessy.
Check out the team’s updated 53-man roster, depth chart and injury report heading into Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.
