On Deion Jones, Qadree Ollison cut, Damien Williams, Marcus Mariota and more

David Hicks from Marshalltown, Iowa

With the practice squad assignments being made, can you tell us what the practice squad role is for the team? I presume players are “called up” to the starting team if needed, similar to minor league baseball? How often can they be “called up” during the year? Are they part of regular team functions?

Bair: This is good question, David, that I’m sure a lot of people have. Let’s go over a little practice squad 101. Those signed to the 16-player practice squad generally run the scout team, the offense and defense that runs the scheme of the next week’s opponent, an effort done by the practice squad and some members of the reserve units. Some players even mimic star skill players on the other team.

A practice-squad player can be elevated to the 53-man roster three times and revert back to the practice squad after that game. If a team wants to elevate him again, they’ll have to sign him to the active roster.

All practice squad players go to home games, but only some go on the road. Up to six players can be veterans, adding more flexibility to those positions. Most slots, however, are used on young, developing players who progress outside the spotlight. That takes some pressure off, if they’re not quite ready for game action.

Scott Mossbrooks from Flowery Branch, Ga.

Love your mail bag and first-time writer. My question is why do the Falcons carry a FB and not use a TE as a FB instead? As much as Coach Smith likes TEs, you would think he could create differs looks doing that.

Bair: I think it’s more of a Keith Smith thing. He’s a core special teams player and someone who is good as a lead blocker and pass protector. I’m sure Smith could use a tight end as an H-back and has certainly done so before, but Smith gives the Falcons valuable experience there and on special teams.

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