Tight end Parker Hesse, a former starter, and wide receiver Chris Blair were promoted from the practice squad to the game day roster on Saturday. The Falcons (4-6) are set to host the Saints (5-5) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Hesse, who was promoted for Game 1 against the Panthers, came off the practice squad injured reserve list on Nov. 20 with an undisclosed injury. Hesse, a solid blocker, has played in 26 games and made eight starts over the past three seasons.
With wide receiver Mack Hollins (ankle) declared out of Friday, the Falcons were down at the position. Blair, who Alcorn State, could make his NFL debut. He played for the D.C. Defenders of the XFL in 2023.
Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo, who had a back injury and missed some practice time, was cleared on Friday. Koo, who didn’t practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday with the injury, was not listed on the team’s final injury report Friday.
Quarterback Taylor Heinicke (hamstring) was listed as questionable.
Defensive tackle David Onyemata (ankle) and cornerback Dee Alford (ankle) are set to play after missing the last game against the Cardinals on Nov. 12.
Hollins played 14 of 69 offensive snaps (69%) before sustaining his injury against the Vikings on Nov. 5.
Alford has played in all nine games and made four starts. Rookie Clark Phillips replaced him against the Cardinals.
In addition to Hollins, the Falcons inactives included: quarterback Logan Woodside (Emergency Third QB – Will Dress), cornerback Clark Phillips III, offensive guard Jovaughn Gwyn, defensive tackle Travis Bell, tight end John FitzPatrick, defensive end Joe Gaziano.
The Saints declared cornerback Marshon Lattimore (ankle) and running back Kendre Miller (ankle) out on Friday. Defensive end Isaiah Foskey (quadriceps) was listed as questionable.
The other inactives for the Saints include: quarterback Jake Haener, Foskey, offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri, tight end Jimmy Graham and defensive end Kyle Phillips.
The Bow Tie Chronicles
About the Author
