The Atlanta Falcons are making a small move to the roster on Monday, just 24 hours after their Week 1 win against the Carolina Panthers.
According to the team, return specialist Godwin Igwebuike has been cut. He played in two offensive and eight special teams snaps in the win against the Panthers.
“He’s got a lot of experience all over the place," Smith said regarding Igwebuike. "He’s got a unique background as a [special] teams guy. Being a safety, too. Coverage units as well. So we won’t discredit him."
Igwebuike was called up to the active roster for Sunday's game because kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson was sidelined with a groin injury. However, with Igwebuike cut, that could mean Patterson will make his 2023 debut in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers.
As for Igwebuike, he will go through waivers, but if he goes unclaimed, there's a chance he could revert back to the Falcons practice squad.
Igwebuike possesses a lot of the same skills that Avery Williams, last year's return specialist, gave to the team. Williams suffered an offseason injury and won't suit up for the Falcons this year, prompting Atlanta to find a replacement.
Igwebuike, like Williams, started out as a defensive back, but found his way to the offensive side of the ball. On top of that, the special teams experience doesn't hurt.
Coach Smith and the Falcons love versatile players, which is why Igwebuike still shouldn't be dismissed as a potential contributor for Atlanta this season.
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