Falcons sign former Patriot Joe Vellano to practice squad, cut ties with Joey Mbu

Joey Mbu made the Falcons’ practice squad, but just two days later, he’s out in favor of defensive lineman Joe Vellano.

Vellano is a 27 year old lineman who has three sacks in his NFL career through 21 NFL games, primarily as a reserve for New England. He last got into a game back in 2014, and at a squat 6’2”, 300 pounds, is a solid run-stopper, if nothing else. He’ll serve as depth for this team along the defensive front, and is unlikely to sniff the active roster unless there are injuries.

To make room for him, the Falcons let go of Joey Mbu, the undrafted 2015 free agent who had shown some promise at defensive tackle. It’s a little surprising to see him go from legitimate roster possibility to not even on the Falcons’ practice squad, but such are the fortunes of those on the fringe of the roster. We wish Mbu well.