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The Atlanta Falcons announced some roster moves on Thursday, in advance of Saturday’s game against the Panthers in Carolina. Tight end D.J. Tialavea and linebacker Josh Keyes were both promoted from the practice squad to the active roster. In corresponding moves, Atlanta has waived safety Robenson Therezie and defensive lineman Malliciah Goodman.
Tialavea has been with the Falcons for the better part of the last two seasons. He spent a chunk of the 2015 season on the practice squad, and was promoted to the active roster for the team’s final game of the season in 2015 against the Panthers. At the time, Tialavea didn’t have a car, and I interviewed him about it.
Keyes signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent following the 2015 NFL Draft. He has spent time on practice squads with the Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs, and was promoted to Tampa Bay’s active roster for a while in 2015. He played in seven games for Tampa Bay and racked up seven tackles. The Falcons signed him to the practice squad in October.
Goodman was drafted by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2013 draft out of Clemson. He was waived by Atlanta during final roster cuts prior to the 2016 season, and after a stint in Seattle, was re-signed by Atlanta on December 6. Over his career with the Falcons, Goodman has 29 tackles.
Therezie was signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent out of Auburn following the 2015 NFL Draft. He was signed to the Falcons’ active roster for the 2015 season, and recorded his first career interception last year against Tennessee Titans backup quarterback Zach Mettenberger. In addition to that pick, Therezie has 36 career tackles and two pass breakups.
The Tialavea move makes sense, considering Austin Hooper’s knee injury. Keyes provides some depth and potential special teams potential, though I would expect Keyes to be a game day inactive.
It’s unfortunate to see Goodman go again. Therezie has potential, so that move is a bit surprising, but after signing Dashon Goldson this week, the team likely feels comfortable with depth at safety.
Your thoughts on the moves?