What is old might become new again in Atlanta.
With the Falcons kicking situation in flux, veteran Matt Bryant will try out with the team Friday, the 44-year-old booter told former teammate Coy Wire.
Given his age, the experience in the organization, and previous track record, it wouldn't be a shock if the "tryout" was a formality to a return if Bryant proves healthy.
Bryant spent the past 10 seasons with the Falcons but was released in February after his 2018 season was waylaid by a back injury that cost him three games.
Giorgio Tavecchio subbed for Bryant last season and made all five of his field-goal attempts, including a 56-yard long. The Falcons planned for Tavecchio to take over the role full-time, but struggles this preseason and in camp caused a course change. Atlanta signed Blair Walsh to compete with Tavecchio. Both booters have struggled, however, muddying the waters further.
Now the Falcons might turn back to ol' reliable. If healthy, Bryant could return to help solidify a shaky position in Atlanta.
Here are other news items we're monitoring on Thursday:
- Seattle Seahawks CB Kalan Reed suffered a neck injury that not only landed him on IR, but it led to numbing around his third and fourth vertebrae, which is likely to be career-ending, agent Harold Lewis tells NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
In the Seahawks' game Thursday night against the Raiders, quarterback Geno Smith sustained a knee injury and his return is questionable. Safety Marquise Blair injured his back and will not return.
- The Arizona Cardinals have traded tackle Korey Cunningham to the New England Patriots for a 2020 sixth-round draft pick, the team announced. The deal is pending a physical.
- Carolina Panthers kicker Graham Gano (knee) could find himself on the IR to start the season, according to NFL Network's Tiffany Blackmon, per sources. The 10-year veteran hasn't appeared in the preseason, and rookie Joey Slye is currently the only other kicker on the roster.
- The Tennessee Titans have acquired linebacker Reggie Gilbert via trade with the Green Bay Packers, the team announced. Pending a physical, the Packers will receive a conditional 2020 draft pick.
- Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott told reporters after Thursday's preseason game that starting center Mitch Morse has cleared concussion protocol. Morse was diagnosed with a concussion in late July.
- The New York Jets announced they waived safety Brandon Bryant, who started training camp on the PUP list after spending his rookie year on their practice squad.
- Cincinnati Bengals rookie running back Rodney Anderson was ruled out against the Indianapolis Colts with a right knee injury. Anderson injured the same knee last year while at Oklahoma.
- Cleveland Browns guard Drew Forbes and cornerback Lenzy Pipkinsleft their game against the Detroit Lions with knee and back injuries, respectively.
- Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Aziz Shittu was evaluated for a head injury.
- New York Giants linebacker Keion Adams suffered a knee injury against the New England Patriots.
- Washington Redskins defensive lineman Andrew Ankrahwas evaluated for a concussion but was cleared to return.
- Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said on Thursday night that the team does not expect left tackle Russell Okung to be ready to play Week 1 against the Colts, per ESPN's Eric Williams. The offensive lineman has been unavailable all month as he recovers from a pulmonary embolism. Rapoport reported earlier this month that Okung was not expected to be ready for the start of the season.
