The Atlanta Falcons took the field for their second preseason game of the summer on Friday, hosting the Tennessee Titans at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. After their first preseason game ended prematurely due to Lions defender Morice Norris' injury scare, the mood was very different, even though the result wasn't. Falcons fans got a chance to see newcomers, youngsters, and players on the bubble ahead of the roster cutdown date.
As is often the case, there were significant breakout performances that could complicate matters for head coach Raheem Morris. One of those came from unheralded rookie running back Nate Carter.
Nathan Carter shows off the speed for SIX! @AtlantaFalcons
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Nate Carter's Statement Game Complicates Falcons' RB Depth Chart
On Friday night, Carter was one of the most impressive Falcons on the field. He was dominant in his nine carries and two receptions, totaling 72 yards from scrimmage. His most impressive play came on a 43-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter, evading defenders and outrunning everyone. His obvious speed, physicality, and change-of-direction highlight a potential NFL-caliber rusher in Carter.
This performance may have shot Carter up in the depth chart, ahead of Carlos Washington. Washington was just diagnosed with a hamstring injury and is expected to miss some time. Hamstrings are notoriously tricky and could keep the third-year running back out for an extended period of time. The injury that came at an unfortunate time for the 26-year-old may force him to the practice squad for the third straight season in Atlanta.
This gives Carter an open path to land the RB3 spot before the season. Jase McClellan was waived before the camp, and the Falcons don't have anyone challenging for a roster spot behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. If the team brings in three rushers to the final roster, the chances are that it will be Carter.
Now that running backs are undervalued in the NFL, it is possible to find undrafted hidden gems on a regular basis. Carter had shown flashes during his two seasons at Michigan State, running for 1,297 yards and scoring nine touchdowns in 24 games. If he can put together another solid preseason game next Friday against the Cowboys, the 23-year-old may find himself on the final roster against all odds.