Falcons Game Day: Jacksonville Jaguars

The Falcons return to Atlanta for a final game prior to roster cuts and the 2016 regular season opener…

The Falcons are now 2-1 in preseason games completed mostly by backup and reserve roster hopefuls. The “dress rehearsal” of the preseason didn’t go as planned last week when Atlanta’s first-team offense was unable to score a touchdown. The final preseason game is typically a battle of reserves looking to impress enough for a position prior to the 53-man roster release. The majority of starters for both teams will likely not play on Thursday night, though head coach Dan Quinn has already said quarterback Matt Ryan will start. Falcons game day number four will be the last game action and final impressions for many players during a home match-up against the Jaguars set for 7:00pm EDT.

The last time these two teams faced off was during Week 15 a year ago. The Falcons defeated Jacksonville, 23-17, behind two fourth quarter Shayne Graham field goals. Atlanta flew to a fast start, leading 17-3 at the half but the Jaguars answered with two third quarter touchdowns knotting the score at 17 before entering the final frame.

Final 53-man rosters are required by the NFL prior to 4:00pm EDT on Saturday. For players of both the Falcons and Jaguars, Thursday night presents a final opportunity to impress their coaches and earn a chance to turn childhood dreams into reality. In the absence of most starters, as is typical in the fourth preseason game, these players on the bubble should have plenty of opportunity.

2016 SEASON: 1-2, JAX at 2-1, ATL (Fourth Preseason Game)

2015 SEASON: 5-11, JAX at 8-8, ATL

LAST MEETING: 23-17, ATL – Dec. 20, 2015

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KEY MATCH-UP: ATL BUBBLE PLAYERS vs. JAX

Last week’s injuries opened the door for some players originally thought to be on the bubble when the Falcons make their final cuts this weekend. Rookie wide receiver Devin Fuller was recently placed on the season-ending injury reserve meaning that both J.D. McKissic and Eric Weems will likely secure roster positions.

Brandon Wilds was running his way on to the roster prior to an injury leading to Terron Ward possibly retaining a position with his performance on Thursday. Ward is expected to see a majority of the carries throughout the ballgame with re-signed fullback, Will Ratelle.

Defensively, newly acquired safety Dashon Goldson will make his debut as he competes for playing time in lieu of injured rookie Keanu Neal. At linebacker, both Deion Jones and De’Vondre Campbell are pushing current front-runners Paul Worrilow and Sean Weatherspoon for starting positions. Obviously, not “bubble” candidates as all should earn a roster position, but playing time could be determined during Thursday’s performance.

TV: WUPA-TV (CW69). WUPA-TV can be found locally at channel 1069 on AT&T U-Verse, channel 783 on Charter, channel 810 on Comcast, channel 69 on DirecTV, and channel 69 on Dish Network.

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