The Falcons lost Sean Weatherspoon for the season and they said goodbye to two of the inside linebackers vying for playing time in his place on Friday.
Veteran Pat Angerer and 2014 seventh-round pick Yawin Smallwood are among the first players to learn that they won’t be on Atlanta’s 53-man roster this season. Angerer, who had microfracture surgery last year, made the announcement on Twitter.
“Enjoyed my time in ATL, unfortunately it’s come to an end here. First class org and first class people. They gave me a chance when no one would,” Angerer wrote. “I was able to have fun playing football again. Falcon fans, be proud of the men you cheer for. All of them are great hardworking dudes. Worse comes to worse, I’ll end up in Iowa with my kids! And there ain’t no place I’d rather be. It’s a win win.”
Smallwood’s release was reported by various sources and he is the fourth player selected in the 2014 draft to be cut this summer. With Angerer and Smallwood gone, the Falcons have Paul Worrilow, Prince Shembo, Tim Dobbins and Joplu Bartu at inside linebacker.
Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com also reports that fullback Maurice Hagens, running back Josh Vaughn and offensive lineman Pat McQuistan have been dropped as the Falcons make their way to 53 players.