Falcons tight end Jared Pinkney, who played at Norcross High and Vanderbilt, was promoted to the roster as a COVID-19 replacement on Saturday.

He was declared inactive for the Falcons (4-11) face the Buccaneers (10-5) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs are trying to win 11 games for the first time since 2005.

Pinkney has been on the practice squad behind tight ends Hayden Hurst, Luke Stocker and Jaeden Graham. The team released and then later re-signed Stocker last season. If Pinkney has improved as an in-line blocker he could potentially replace Stocker next season as the salary-cap strapped Falcons will be locking for younger and cheaper players.

He had 114 receptions for 1,560 yards and 14 touchdowns in 39 games at Vanderbilt.

081920 Flowery Branch: Atlanta Falcons tight ends Luke Stocker (from left), Jared Pinkney, and Hayden Hurst take the field for training camp on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 in Flowery Branch.    Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: Curtis Compton

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Credit: Curtis Compton

PINKNEY BIO

» Jared Pinkney, TE, Vanderbilt: Pinkney, who is 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, was on the John Mackey award and Fred Biletnikoff award watch lists in 2019 after a stellar junior season. He started 11 games in 2018 and had 20 receptions for 233 yards and two touchdowns. He had a season-high five catches for 76 yards and two touchdowns in a victory over East Tennessee State. In his junior season, playing with quarterback Kyle Shurmur, he had 50 catches for 774 yards and seven touchdowns. The 50 catches were the most by a Vanderbilt tight end since 1984. He helped Norcross win back-to-back Georgia state titles before signing with the Commodores. He could become an NFL starter, but will have to work on his blocking first. Pinkney’s stock dropped in the draft after a poor showing at the NFL scouting combine. Not having a chance to redeem himself at Vandy’s Pro Day also was a factor. At the combine, he ran the slowest 40-yard dash time (4.96) of the tight end group. He looked stiff and struggled to catch passes.

October 7, 2017 Nashville: Georgia cornerback Aaron Davis breaks up a pass to Vanderbilt tight end Jared Pinkney during the first half in a NCAA college football game on Saturday, October 7, 2017, in Nashville.   Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

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Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

HIGH SCHOOL PROFILE

Pinkney was listed at 6-5 and 220 pounds as a wide receiver and defensive here. Here’s his Next College Student Athlete profile.

Falcons’ 2021 draft position

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

2. New York Jets

3. Miami Dolphins (via Houston)

4. Falcons

5. Cincinnati Bengals

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