Eight Players to Watch: Falcons at Jaguars
The story of the final preseason game is filled with position battles and the fight for roster spots. Here are eight players to watch out for during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In the first three preseason games, RB Devonta Freeman has shown his ability to both be an explosive runner and play a role as a receiver, leading the team with 193 all-purpose yards. With the starters expected to play less this week, don't be surprised if you see a few more plays starring the rookie out of Florida State.
Making several impressive catches in preseason thus far, WR Geraldo Boldewijn has earned a second look heading into the game against the Jaguars. When asked about the looming roster cuts following the game against the Titans, Boldewijn said, "It's just about giving it my all every time I step on the field."
Sitting on the fringes of the depth chart is DE Jacques Smith. Going into the final preseason game, Smith has everything to prove in order to make it past the final cut that will drop the roster from 75 to 53.
S Kemal Ishmael falls right behind S Dwight Lowery on the roster, but that position is far from set. Both players looked strong against the Titans and this last preseason could be a deciding factor on who earns the starting position.
After taking first-team reps during the third preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, LB Prince Shembo proved that he could keep up with the starters.
With starters expected to play minimally in the last preseason game, CB Ricardo Allen will have an opportunity to step up and earn a roster spot.
T Ryan Schraeder is one of several players battling for the right tackle position that was vacated by the move of T Jake Matthews to the left tackle spot.
And the battle continues. Going into the final preseason game, the roster spot behind QB Matt Ryan is yet to be decided, but QB Sean Renfree is coming on strong. In the preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, Renfree looked poised to lead a comeback drive that eventually fell short in the red zone. This week is Renfree's opportunity to step up and prove that he is deserving of a roster spot.
