Falcons Report: Kendall Sheffield placed on Injured Reserve with undisclosed injury

This happens just after the team announced Josh Andrews would be placed on the IR with a broken hand. The good news is any player on the IR is eligible to return after three weeks, but the situations between Andrews and Sheffield are completely different.

Andrews was vying for a starting spot and most likely would’ve been named the starting left guard for the opener against the Eagles if not for the injury. Now, Jalen Mayfield will compete with recently acquired Colby Gossett for the starting job.

Meanwhile, Sheffield was just competing for a roster spot after Terry Fontenot brought in Darren Hall and Avery Williams through the 2021 NFL draft. There is also the free-agent signing of cornerback Chris Williamson and T.J. Green‘s cross-training at safety and cornerback to consider.

Entering this season, Sheffield was essentially given a fresh slate with the new regime after a down 2020 campaign. Even though he has yet to put it all together, the physical tools are there. Playing mostly on the boundary last season, that is where he was likely set to compete for a roster spot at, but he did play in the slot his rookie year, so he has experience at both. It is important to remember that Sheffield has missed most of the offseason activities, so for the team to place him on the IR, they could potentially see him returning after Week 3.

Even though it is just the initial 53-man roster, it is notable the Falcons kept 11 defensive backs — six corners and five safeties. Williamson being edged out by Sheffield, Williams, and Hall isn’t that surprising. Still, with Sheffield missing most of training camp and Williamson impressing in his opportunities, I figured he’d be given the roster spot. Williamson struggled with getting beat deep in the preseason, which could be cause for the cut, or his value on special teams wasn’t up to par with what the staff wanted. Either way, Sheffield will likely be in Atlanta for 2021.