The Falcons announced on Saturday that they have placed fullback Keith Smith on injured reserve and promoted tight end Tucker Fisk to the active roster.
In addition to the Smith and Fisk moves, the Falcons have promoted offensive lineman John Leglue and punter Pat O’Donnell from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday’s game against the Colts.
Smith is more of a blocker and hasn’t contributed to the run game as a ball carrier this year, but he has three catches on three targets for 33 yards in 13 games this season. Fisk has appeared in three games for Atlanta as a practice squad this season, totaling 26 special teams snaps and one catch on one target for nine yards.
The following is the team’s reaction to the elevations of Leglue and O’Donnell for the Colts game:
Following the 2019 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos signed Leglue out of Tulane. In 2021, he appeared in six games (five starts) for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Over four seasons (2015-18), the 6-foot-6, 301-pound offensive lineman appeared in 49 games (38 starts) for Tulane. During his collegiate career, he started at four different offensive line positions (15 starts at right tackle, 13 at right guard, nine at center, and one at left tackle). This is his first ascent of the season.
O’Donnell was originally drafted in the sixth round (191st overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. Over nine seasons with the Bears and Packers, he punted 616 times for 27,764 yards (45.1 gross, 39.3 net avg.), including 224 punts inside the 20-yard line, 73 punts inside the 10-yard line, and 22 punts inside the five-yard line. His second elevation of the season (Week 8) will take place on Sunday.
Keith Smith was listed as questionable for this week’s game, but the move to IR means he’ll be out for the rest of the season.
Due to a personal matter, punter Bradley Pinion did not practice on Friday. Because of his elevation, O’Donnell may not be able to play on Sunday. With Drew Dalman and Chris Lindstrom returning from injuries, and Kaleb McGary doubtful for Sunday, Leglue’s versatility could come in handy.
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