Falcons make multiple roster moves ahead of Week 13

The team waived cornerback Chris Williams and activated veteran guard Josh Andrews off the reserve/COVID-19 list, where he’s spent the past two weeks. The most significant contributor is Steven Means, though, who was designated to return off injured reserve Tuesday, which opens a 21-day window where he can return.

During the Falcons Week 9 victory over the Saints, the veteran edge defender suffered a knee injury that sent him to the IR before Atlanta’s next game against the Cowboys. Ade Ogundeji has benefited from Means absence, receiving some much-needed snaps. To this point, Means hasn’t provided much of an impact on the defensive side of the ball. Some might say he’s played a big role in the Falcons defense, but what defense is that? The second-to-last scoring defense in the league?

Means is a backup on 32 other teams, but he truly is the best option the Falcons have at the position outside of Dante Fowler. The coaching staff has slowly begun working Jalyinn Hawkins back into the defense after missing some time because of injury. I expect them to use the same approach with Means, slowly ramping up his involvement. Means could return as early as this week, but he could also return in three weeks. There’s the possibility that he isn’t healthy enough in that time frame as well, which would result in a season-ending IR designation.

—

Photo: David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire