FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn said the team plans to put rookie wide receiver Devin Fuller on injured reserve.
Fuller, a seventh-round draft pick out of UCLA, injured his shoulder in last week's 17-6 preseason loss to the Miami Dolphins. He received a second opinion on the shoulder, which led to the decision.
Fuller was looking to earn a roster spot at receiver while possibly contributing as a return man. His absence gives undrafted J.D. McKissic a better chance of making the roster. McKissic has thrived as a kick returner this preseason.
The Falcons have their top three receivers in Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu, and Justin Hardy. Deep threat Aldrick Robinson is looking like the fourth receiver, while veteran Eric Weems is a special teams standout.
In other injury news, Quinn officially ruled out Jones (ankle), defensive end Adrian Clayborn (shoulder), safety Kemal Ishmael (shoulder), and rookie running back Brandon Wilds (knee) for Thursday's final preseason game against Jacksonville. Defensive end Dwight Freeney (back) practiced the last two days and looks healthy but may not play.
Kicker Matt Bryant will play coming off muscle tightness, while running back Terron Ward will play coming off an ankle injury. The Falcons are likely to sign a running back to share the load with Ward, with Quinn not wanting to overwork primary running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman.
Also, Quinn said newly signed strong safety Dashon Goldson will get some playing time against the Jaguars.
The Falcons have to cut their 75-man roster to 53 by Saturday at 3 p.m. ET.
































