FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons outside linebacker Bralen Trice, who suffered a left knee injury in the exhibition season opener against the Miami Dolphins Friday, was placed on injured reserve on Sunday.
Trice, who was drafted in the third round of the 2023 draft out of Washington, was expected to battle for playing time. He was injured late in the second quarter and had to take a cart to the locker room.
In addition to Trice, defensive back Harrison Hand suffered a knee injury was also placed on injured reserve.
In other roster moves, the Falcons signed wide Jakeem Grant, quarterback John Paddock and running back Spencer Brown. In a corresponding move, the Falcons released quarterback Nathan Rourke.
Safety DeMarcco Hellams also suffered a left leg injury and was carted off the field in the first quarter against the Dolphins. His status was not addressed by the team Sunday.
Trice is 6-foot-3 and 274 pounds. He led the Washington with 11. 5 tackles for losses and seven sacks and played in all 15 games last season when the Huskies reached the College Football Playoff Championship game.
Here’s what the Falcons had to say about Trice after he was drafted:
General manager Terry Fontenot’s take: “Another versatile player. Tough. Instinctive. He can play the run. He can rush the passer. Powerful, heavy-handed on the edge. Excellent motor. Non-stop motor. Love the way he plays the game and the way he approaches the game.”
Coach Raheem Morris’ take: “(Falcons outside linebackers coach) Jacquies Smith does a great job evaluating outside linebackers. (Trice has) the power and strength.”
Bralen Trice Draft Bio -- Third round (74th overall )
Age: 23. Ht: 6-3. Wt: 274. Arms: 32 1/2. Hands: 9. 40-yard dash: 4.72. Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona. Overview: He was one of four captains last season as voted on by his teammates. He was first team All-American (Pro Football Focus) and first-team All-Pac-12. He started each game last season as the Huskies reached the national championship game. He was named defensive MVP of the Sugar Bowl after getting five tackles, three tackles for losses, two sacks and a forced fumble. He had three tackles against Michigan in the title game. For the second year in a row, Trice was named the school’s defensive most valuable player at the team’s postseason awards banquet.
NEXT EXHIBITION GAME
Falcons at Ravens, Saturday, noon, WAGA, 92.9
The Bow Tie Chronicles
About the Author
