Earlier this offseason, the Falcons were talking about ways to use return man Devin Hester, suggesting they might “green-light” him to take kickoffs out of the end zone.
But Hester’s Falcons career hit a red light this morning, as the team announced they had released the veteran wide receiver.
The 33-year-old Hester was coming back from toe surgery in January, and only played five games last year. He hadn’t participated in any of the offseason work, and it was unclear what he’d be able to do during training camp.
That injury kept him from showing his old burst, but he’s one of the most dangerous returners in the history of the game, and it’ll be interesting to see if someone wants to give him another chance once he’s well, whenever that might be.