Thursday night wasn't just another game for many currently on the Falcons' roster, because many of them won't be on the roster anymore after tomorrow.
Faced with one last prove-yourself moment against the Jaguars on Thursday, several Falcons at different position groups have left the coaching staff with a few very difficult decisions as they race to make the 53-man roster limit by the NFL's 9 p.m. ET Friday deadline.
The wide receiver position has been one of focus for the Falcons and fans this preseason. With one position open, Kevin Cone may have pushed himself ahead of the pack with a 49-yard touchdown against Jacksonville that included plenty of shifty moves and speed. Drew Davis also is in the mix there, but with special teams being such a factor in this decision, don't discount Tim Toone or James Rodgers there, either.
Running back cropped up as an interesting position against the Jaguars with Dimitri Nance and Antone Smith going blow-for-blow on big-play potential and consistency. Behind Michael Turner, Jason Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers — who scored the game's first touchdown — is an open spot that could be claimed by either RB.
Akeem Dent has all but solidified himself at the middle linebacker position with a stellar performance in the preseason finale while linebacker depth looks much improved with Robert James and Spencer Adkins also having solid nights.
Check back on Friday as AtlantaFalcons.com will have the latest on the Falcons trimming the roster to 53 players.
