The Atlanta Falcons are bringing back a familiar face to their squad. The Falcons have signed former first-round draft pick and one of their former linebackers, veteran Rashaan Evans.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared that the Falcons have signed Evans to their practice squad.
Former first-round pick LB Rashaan Evans is returning to Atlanta and signing with the Falcons practice squad, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 30, 2024
Evans was not with a team throughout the first four weeks of the 2024 season, but he has found a new/old home now.
Rashaan Evans #54 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after a sack during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Atlanta Falcons are bringing back veteran linebacker Rashaan Evans to their team.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
This move for the Falcons comes due to the injuries that started to pile up for the inside linebackers group. The team had lost Nate Landman to the injured reserve and saw Troy Andersen exit in Week 4 in the midst of a breakout game.
It’s unclear when Andersen will be back, and with a short week this week, the Falcons aren’t taking any chances. Because of that, Evans comes in, who spent one year of his career in Atlanta in 2022.
If Andersen is indeed out, the Falcons have the depth to fill the void, but the more logical move would be to evaluate Evans from the practice squad. Another option the Falcons have is to bring up Josh Woods, who has significant special teams experience and some limited seating experience at inside linebacker.
In April 2022, Evans signed a one-year contract with the Falcons after starting his spending the first four years of his career with the Tennesse Titans. Evans played in all 17 games that season and had the best year of his career. The 28-year-old recorded a career-high 159 total tackles, six tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, one force fumble and two fumble recoveries.
After one year in Atlanta, Evans left for the Dallas Cowboys, where he spent the 2023 season. However, his season was cut short as he only played nine games with one start and recorded nine total tackles, four of them solo, and five assists.
Evans was activated from the practice squad in mid-November but got into some legal trouble when he was arrested in Frisco, Texas, for possession of marijuana in late Dec. 2023. The Cowboys waived him a day later.
Evans was not signed by a team all offseason long, but now he has an excellent chance to get an opportunity with his former team.
The Falcons will take on their division rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on Thursday Night Football. The Falcons will host their division rivals, who are favorites in the game, according to ESPN Bet, with a -1.5 spread.
For more news on the Falcons, make sure to head over to Newsweek Sports.
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