FLOWERY BRANCH – The Atlanta Falcons waived injured wide receiver Tim Toone on Thursday and signed cornerback Dominique Franks.
Franks was cut last Friday as the Falcons whittled their roster down to 53 players. He’d played in Atlanta for the past two seasons, most recently as the team’s nickel back last year.
During training camp and the preseason Franks was involved in the position battle for kick return duties as well was vying for a spot among the defensive backs.
Franks had a couple of rough bouts in coverage during preseason games and was cut. Since head coach Mike Smith won’t reveal who won the punt return job, it’s immediately uncertain where Franks will fit in.
It was thought that Toone did enough to win the job, at least he was still competing with Harry Douglas and Brent Grimes. Now the Falcons will go with either Douglas or Grimes to return punts or hand those duties off to the newly reacquired Franks.
The Falcons did not release information regarding Toone’s injury.
Toone caught three passes for 55 yards during the preseason, including a 39-yard touchdown catch against Miami. He made his mark, however, returning punts. He fielded six punts and averaged seven yards per return.
