WATFORD, England -- The Falcons must figure out how to replace Isaiah Oliver, who was off to a strong start at nickel back before he sustained a knee injury and is out for the season.
He was injured Sunday early in the second quarter of the Washington game and was replaced by rookie cornerback Avery Williams, who suffered a hamstring injury and is doubt for the game against the Jets at 9:30 a.m. ET Sunday in London.
Rookie second-round pick Richie Grant, who has played mostly on special teams, and rookie fourth-round pick Darren Hall will play against the Jets and could be used as the nickel back. Both played extensively during the three exhibition games.
“You’re going to see Darren Hall and Richie Grant play. It’s not their first snap,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Friday. “It wasn’t like they just got 10 snaps in the (exhibition) season so we can wear out Erik, Duron (Harmon) and Fabian (Moreau). We feel very comfortable because guys we knew were going to count on have banked reps.”
Williams, who was taken in the fifth round of the NFL draft, also is the team’s punt returner.
“He’s very smart,” Smith said. “(He’s) got a lot of football instincts, and he stepped up. He stepped up at the end of the Giants game (the previous Sunday) when Isaiah had cramps. Then he obviously stepped up last week.”
Williams wasn’t perfect.
“There’s room for improvement for all of us, but we got confidence in him, or whatever way/other direction we decide to go,” Smith said.
Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees also noted that Williams was in a tough spot.
“He had some good plays and some not so good plays,” Pees said. “He got thrown into it and all of a sudden that’s a tough situation for a rookie. You haven’t been playing, been on special teams and returner, and now all of a sudden you’re the starting nickel early in the game.”
The Falcons could consider T.J. Green, who’s played safety and left cornerback, or Kendall Sheffield for the nickel back position.
Sheffield had 46 tackles, three pass breakups and a forced fumble in 2019. Last season, he had 51 tackles, three pass breakups and a forced fumble. He does not have an interception over 29 games and 20 starts.
He played 700 defensive snaps (67%) in 2019 and played 525 defensive snaps (49%) in 2020.
The Bow Tie Chronicles
For more content about The Atlanta Falcons
Follow me on Twitter @DOrlandoAJC
On Facebook at Atlanta Falcons News Now
Atlanta Falcons coverage on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons’ 2021 schedule features trip to London, January trip to Buffalo
Atlanta Falcons Schedule
Washington FT 34, Falcons 30
New York Jets vs. Falcons in London, Oct. 10 at 9:30 a.m.
Bye Week
Falcons at Miami Dolphins, Oct. 24 at 1 p.m.
About the Author
