Senat’s inactive status was ‘unexpected’

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Brian Poole (34) and Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Deadrin Senat (94) take the field for pregame warmups.  The Atlanta Falcons played the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept 23, 2018, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.  BOB ANDRES  /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres

Credit: Bob Andres

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Brian Poole (34) and Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Deadrin Senat (94) take the field for pregame warmups. The Atlanta Falcons played the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept 23, 2018, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Falcons rookie defensive tackle Deadrin Senat played in the first 10 games and made two starts this season. However, he was inactive against the Saints on Thursday.

“I mean, it was unexpected,” Senat said on Monday. “I wanted to play. I don’t think I missed a college game in my career without being injured or hurt or being kicked out of a game. So, it was different.”

After the game, Falcons coach Dan Quinn said he wanted to use more pass rushers and the fullback against the Saints.

“It was just a coaching decision on what we thought would be the best to win the game,” Quinn said. “It was no stretch on him. I told him that too from a performance side of things.”

Quinn also explained the move to Senat, who has taken in the third round of the draft (90th) overall out of South Florida.

“He came to me and told me the same thing,” Senat said. “He wanted pass rushers in the game and I said ‘Yes sir’ and that was it.”

Senat has 20 tackles on the season, two tackles for losses and three quarterback hits.

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