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Ricardo Allen was one of the surprise cuts of the preseason, but you knew he would get a shot to come off the practice squad eventually. With Robert Alford on injured reserve, that opportunity has come.
The Falcons have signed CB Ricardo Allen to the active roster. #RiseUp
— Atlanta_Falcons (@Atlanta_Falcons) December 16, 2014
The 5'9" Allen was optimistically compared to Brent Grimes by some Falcons fans, and he did come to Atlanta with a reputation as a pretty aggressive cornerback who looks to make plays on the ball. As is the case with any fifth-round pick, you can't project him to top out as more than a useful reserve, but Allen has the athletic ability and drive to exceed those modest expectations. This will represent his first shot to do so.
Allen is likely to be inactive this week against the Saints, and it's anyone's guess whether he'll draw snaps in Week 17 against the Panthers. This is still a good first step for a cornerback who should be in the running for a 2015 roster spot with Robert McClain, Josh Wilson and Javier Arenas all potentially exiting after their deals expire.
Your expectations for Allen?