Dust in the wind: DE Derrick Shelby to injured reserve, RB Jeremy Langford to practice squad

The universe is a cold, uncaring place. It’s emptiness reminds us that nothing is promised. Not tomorrow. Not even Derrick Shelby’s health. Players are just dust in the wind, briefly here before gone forever.

The veteran defensive end is finished for the season and likely closes out his time with the Atlanta Falcons.

Shelby isn’t an impact player, but he fits in as a good-to-have-player on a defense that already struggles. He’s almost certainly the team’s best run stuffer, but take that how you will considering the run defense is terrible. There’s no clear replacement, meaning the Falcons may use the end of this disaster season to see what Steven Means can do.

In a corresponding move, the Falcons added defensive back Ryan Neal to the active roster. Formerly with the Philadelphia Eagles, Neal may be another safety Dan Quinn hopes to convert to an oversized corner at 6-foot-3, 200-pounds.

Fantasy football fans will remember Jeremy Langford as a decent fantasy performer in part of 2015. If you drafted him in 2016, then you probably lost that season. He hasn’t had a carry since. Now he’s on the practice squad, taking Neal’s spot. With Tevin Coleman almost certainly leaving after this season, the Falcons must be kicking the tires on some running backs to potentially battle it out in camp next year.