Falcons add CB Chris Williamson to practice squad, announce 4 protected players for Week 14

As is custom in the week leading up to a game, the Falcons are making changes to their practice squad and protecting players from poaching ahead of the game against the Chargers. This week, those changes involve the release of safety Shyheim Carter and the addition of Atlanta native and former New York Giant Chris Williamson.

Williamson, who played college ball at Minnesota, was drafted in the 7th round by the Giants after a productive college career where he posted 96 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3.5 sacks, and served as a nickel back and special teamer. The Giants drafted him in hopes that he would be able to contribute on special teams and potentially as a reserve defender given his physicality. The Falcons will bring him aboard to see if he might be a fit for a similar long-term role in Atlanta.

To make room for Williamson, the Falcons had cut Carter, an Alabama linebacker/safety who had signed with the Jets and spent the summer with them. We wish him well wherever he lands.

Finally, the Falcons announced their four practice squad this week, and few of them are surprises.

Benkert and Rowland have been protected, I believe, every single week of the 2020 season. The next regime may or may not be interested in a young backup quarterback and potentially dynamic returner, but both will be here through the end of the year in case there are injuries at their respective positions. Pinkney is an interesting long-term developmental option at tight end in his own right.

Green, meanwhile, is a safety with 11 career starts. With Ricardo Allen banged up, Green may be needed this Sunday against the Chargers and into the future, but we’ll likely see a lot of Sharrod Neasman in Allen’s absence.