Falcons add Deone Bucannon to practice squad

Veteran linebacker Deone Bucannon joined the Falcons’ practice squad after he cleared waivers Tuesday.

The Falcons released him earlier Tuesday to make room for defensive end Steven Means, who was activated from the team’s reserve/COVID-19 list to the active roster.

After he signed with the Falcons in May, Bucannon participated in training camp. Bucannon was drafted in the first round (27th overall) by the Cardinals in the 2014 NFL draft. Falcons coach Dan Quinn discussed having “roster ready” veterans on the practice squad.

Bucannon has played in 84 NFL games and has made 57 starts.

Offensive lineman Willie Wright signed with the Falcons on Tuesday and was added to the practice squad.

Wright, who’s 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, plays center. He played at Tulsa and spent time with the Cleveland Browns.

Offensive tackle John Wetzel, after clearing waivers, was signed to the practice squad along with cornerback Delrick Abrams, quarterback Kurt Benkert, safety Jamal Carter, defensive end Austin Edwards, wide receiver Juwan Green, cornerback Tyler Hall, offensive guard Sean Harlow, cornerback Josh Hawkins, quarterback Kyle Lauletta, punter Cameron Nizialek, tight end Jared Pinkney, linebacker Edmond Robinson and wide receiver Chris Rowland.

The Falcons now have a full 16-member practice squad.

For the first time, teams are allowed to keep 16 players on their practice squads. Because of complications that may arise from COVID-19, teams also will have much more flexibility in promoting players from the practice squad to the active roster.

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