Atlanta Falcons must cut down to 85 players Tuesday

FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons, who are set to practice against the Jets on Friday and Saturday and play their second exhibition game Monday, must cut from a maximum of 90 to 85 players by 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to league rules.

“You hope nobody becomes complacent,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. “That’s what the competition does; you get to a point where you want that kind of competition every year.”

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The teams must cut to 80 players by Aug. 23, and the final cutdown to 53 players must be completed by 4 p.m. Aug. 30.

Teams then can sign 16 players to the practice squad by noon Aug. 31.

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