Falcons release punter Sterling Hofrichter

Team adds former Georgia kicker Cameron Nizialek

Falcons head coach Arthur Smith explains the reasons for the release of punter Sterling Hofrichter.

FLOWERY BRANCH -- The Falcons released punter Sterling Hofrichter on Tuesday, and Cameron Nizialek, who spent time on the Falcons’ practice squad last season, signed with the team.

Hofrichter was released injured. If he clears waivers, he’ll revert to the team’s injured reserve list.

“Sterling, he’s not healthy,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. “He’ll rehab. It’s not the end of the road for Sterling. We needed the roster spot because we had to add a healthy punter.”

Nizialek, 26, played at Georgia and has spent time with the Ravens.

The Falcons also have punter Dom Maggio on the roster.

“Dom is doing good,” Smith said. “He was working through something coming back. We expect Dom to punt this (exhibition) season. We need somebody to win that job.”

Nizialek won a punt-off against Colby Wadman (California-Davis) and Matt Wile (Michigan) when the three worked out for the team along with wide receiver Jonathan Adams (Arkansas State) on Monday.

Hofrichter was drafted in the seventh round of the 2020 draft out of Syracuse.

“After finishing 31st in gross punting value, Hofrichter’s job is on the line,” Thomas Bassinger wrote in the Football Outsiders Almanac 2021 preview. “The Falcons’ first acquisition this offseason was Wake Forest product Dom Maggio, who signed with the Ravens after the 2020 draft but did not make the team.”

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