Atlanta Falcons sign veteran RB Cyrus Gray
The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran running back Cyrus Gray on Wednesday, putting the team back at the 90-man roster limit.
The Atlanta Falcons appear to have made yet another depth move with the signing on former Chiefs running back Cyrus Gray. Current depth at running back consists of: Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman, Terron Ward, Gus Johnson, and Brandon Wilds.
However, Terron Ward sustained an ankle injury at practice a couple of days ago, and is not expected to play in Thursday’s preseason game. Though Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn indicated that the injury was minor, the addition of Gray calls for speculation. If the injury does happen to more serious, could Gray fill in behind Coleman until Ward has recovered?
VIA CBSSports.com:
"Ward was seen in a walking boot at Wednesday’s practice after an apparent ankle injury, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports."
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"Ward was originally dealing with a hand injury suffered during Monday’s practice, but recent news indicates he also suffered a left ankle injury at some point. The Falcons signed running back Cyrus Gray on Wednesday to provide depth in the backfield during training camp, while it remains unclear how much time Ward will be forced to miss. Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman continue to lead the running back corps in Atlanta heading into the regular season."
Gray, who played at Texas A&M, was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He finished the season with 44 yards in 7 carries. In 2015, Gray was released by the Chiefs and was out of football last season. In his overall career, Gray has played in 35 games, rushed for 99 yards and one touchdown.
The details of Gray‘s signing with the Atlanta Falcons have yet to be disclosed. He now enters a position battle to try to secure a spot on the roster as the third running back, if even just temporarily.
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Gray has got his work cut out for him. He will have to prove himself more worthy at running back than both Johnson and Wilds, especially considering the fact that he will be attempting to serve as a fill-in for Ward. Could this opportunity with the Atlanta Falcons be a chance for Gray to get back in the league?