The Falcons’ thin running back room took another hit Tuesday morning when Dallas came calling.
According to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, the Cowboys have signed Tyler Goodson off Atlanta’s practice squad, pulling away the running back who had been the Falcons’ No. 3 option. Goodson had looked like a safe bet to make the team heading into cut-down day, but Atlanta’s quarterback uncertainty changed the math and led the Falcons to carry four running backs to start the season.
That decision already showed its strain in Sunday’s opener. With the backfield short-handed, Atlanta had to turn to Olamide Zaccheaus as its emergency third running back.
Goodson had done plenty to help his case before the roster shakeup. He ran 18 times for 92 yards and a touchdown across three preseason games, including a 49-yard scoring run against the Colts in Atlanta’s 34-6 win over Indianapolis.
The Falcons are expected to fill Goodson’s spot on the practice squad soon, and they still have one open roster spot available. The team is also expected to place defensive tackle Da'Shawn Hand on injured reserve, which would open another spot on the 53-man roster.
Atlanta’s practice squad now sits at 15 players:
WR Vinny Anthony (86)
DE Bralen Trice (48)
OL Kam Dewberry (61)
WR Dylan Drummond (80)
DB Darnay Holmes (30)
OT Riley Mahlman (76)
OL James Brockermeyer (66)
TE Nick Muse (87)
RB Cash Jones (32)
TE Jack Velling (84)
WR Antwane Wells (82)
OL Josh Thompson (67)
DL Zach Harrison (96)
DB Jammie Robinson (34)
DL Zacch Pickens (93)
The Falcons are back in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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