Report: Falcons add former Cowboys RB Gus Johnson to practice squad

The Atlanta Falcons are constantly tinkering with their roster, and that isn't just limited to the 53.

Falcons sign former Cowboys running back Gus Johnson to practice squad, according to a source.

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 27, 2015

This is a high-upside, low-risk move, the kind the Falcons have favored since welcoming Dan Quinn as their new head coach. Johnson spent some time on the Cowboys practice squad, but they have the numbers at running back, and Johnson wasn't going to crack that team any time soon. He finished the preseason with 37 carries for 139 yards and two touchdowns, including a productive Week 4 game with 16 carries for 68 yards and a TD.

In Gus, as his friends call him, the Falcons get a back who is an average athlete but a hard runner, one who generates pretty terrific power. He's far from a finished product in pass protection or as a receiver, but as a complementary power type, he might have a future in Atlanta, particularly if Terron Ward doesn't wind up being a long-term solution in that role. As always with practice squad signings, there's no guarantee he'll work out, but Johnson will be worth watching with interest.

No confirmation yet and no word on a corresponding move, so stay tuned.