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Falcons Must Fix Running Back Depth After Goodson Loss
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- Falcons Must Fix Running Back Depth After Goodson Loss
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The Atlanta Falcons made a risky call by keeping just two healthy running backs, and the league punished them for it. The Dallas Cowboys claimed Tyler Goodson off Atlanta's practice squad on Tuesday after losing their own starter Malik Davis to a hip injury. Goodson led the team in rushing during the preseason with 93 yards and a 49-yard touchdown run. Now the Falcons are left with Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr. on the main roster and rookie Cash Jones on the practice squad. That is a dangerous spot to be in after week 1.
Workouts Signal a Desperate Search
The front office did not wait long to try and fix this hole. According to Falcons Wire , the team worked out three players on Tuesday specifically to fill roster and practice squad spots. Former 49ers second-round pick Drake Jackson was one of the names on the field. Jackson was drafted with pick No. 61 in 2022 and recorded six sacks in his first two seasons. He also brought in center Gus Hartwig and cornerback Dwight McGlothern for the tryout. These moves show the team knows it needs bodies, but the focus should be on the backfield. A workout is a good first step, but it does not guarantee a player will stay.
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Why the Backfield Gap Matters
Most NFL teams carry three running backs on their active 53-man roster. The Falcons decided to go with two, and that math just backfired. Heavy.com noted that the team is running dangerously low on this basic roster need. Goodson was not just a depth piece; he flashed 4.42 speed and made key catches in the passing game. Losing him means the team has no reliable third option if Robinson gets hurt or tired. The Cowboys saw value in Goodson immediately, which proves he was ready to play. The Falcons now have to find a replacement who can handle the workload without a full week of practice.
The Road Ahead for Atlanta
Head coach Kevin Stefanski and his staff have a clear job to do before Wednesday morning. They signed veteran running back Khali Herbert to the practice squad Wednesday. The market has names like Joe Mixon and Austin Ekeler , but injury risks make those choices tricky. The team could also look at available free agents like Dare Ogunbowale or Travis Homer . The Falcons placed Da'Shawn Hand on injured reserve Wednesday and used the roster opening to promote Nick Muse .
