FLOWERY BRANCH -- After a shaky game by punter Cameron Nizialek, veteran punter Dustin Colquitt was signed to the practice squad Tuesday.
The players will compete throughout the week and a decision on the punter will be made on Friday or Saturday.
“Just like last week with the line, we’re always going to see what’s out there and if there is any way that we can help this team,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said Wednesday. “Roster-wise, emergency-list (we are) doing our job as a football staff.”
Colquitt, 39, is from the famed Tennessee Colquitt family of punters. His father, Craig Colquitt, punted for the Steelers (1978-84) and the Colts (1987). His brother Britton Colquitt (Denver, 2010-15), (Cleveland, 2016-18) and (Minnesota, 2019-20) and cousin Jimmy Colquitt (Seattle, 1985) also punted in the NFL.
“It brings in competition, it also protects you, and it could also help Cam with his growth,” Smith said. “It’s not like he’s punted a lot. Dustin is my age. ... He’s got a lot of experience, and we have to make the best decision going into New York this week, or I guess going into New Jersey.”
After left guard Jalen Mayfield had a bumpy debut Sept. 12 against the Eagles, the Falcons signed a couple of veteran guards. But Mayfield had a good week of practice and showed improvement. Both of the veterans, Danny Isidora and Bryan Witzmann have been released since then.
Nizialek had punts of 30 and 33 yards against the Bucs. The Falcons appear set to give him a chance to bounce back like Mayfield did.
“I thought Jalen took a step,” Smith said. “It was not perfect. But when you get a rookie guy, it says a lot about him because I’ve seen guys crumble. It doesn’t go their way Week 1. … That’s the same thing with the punter, we have to make an objective decision at the end of the week.
“But these are young guys, and I don’t want to get them all of a sudden they are risk-averse. (We) let Jalen play through it. I thought he made a step. Now can we see him take another step.”
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