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Falcons AJ McCarron out with injury, Feleipe Franks to get opportunity

by:Austin Brezina•08/21/21•

AustinBrezina59

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Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Collegiate Images/Getty Images

Atlanta Falcons quarterback A.J. McCarron left their preseason against the Miami Dolphins early with a non-contact knee injury. Rookie Feleipe Franks from Arkansas took over the offense for the rest of the night with Matt Ryan held out from playing.

A.J. McCarron out, Feleipe Franks in

After signing with the Falcons this season, McCarron has been listed as second on the Falcons’ quarterback depth chart. The former back-to-back national champion from Alabama joined the Falcons as his fifth team since being drafted in 2014.

NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported on the injury situation, highlighting that this could lead to a change in the depth chart for Atlanta.

“AJ McCarron has been ruled out of the game with a right knee injury. It’s Feleipe Franks’ show for rest of night. Something to watch going forward too. McCarron has been the Falcons QB2 all camp.”

While not competing for the starting position, McCarron had settled in well as the backup for Matt Ryan. After leaving the game Saturday with a non-contact knee injury, the door was left open for Atlanta’s rookie Feleipe Franks.

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Franks played college football for Florida and then Arkansas after transferring for his senior season. Franks signed as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons this season.

Felipe Franks chance to shine

After three seasons at Florida, Franks transferred out to Arkansas for a new opportunity. After a disappointing freshman start to his career with Florida, he went down to injury during his sophomore season. While out, his position would go to Kyle Trask who outperformed him and became the starter.

Franks found a second wind for his NFL hopes at Arkansas, throwing for 17 touchdowns and only four interceptions. While he didn’t make enough progress to climb up draft boards, he was able to pull attention in his direction with his improved play. In several statistics and draft metrics, his name would be in conversations with the best of the draft class.

After signing to the Falcons as an undrafted free agent, Franks has been working towards improving himself at the NFL level. With McCarron’s future in doubt, he has a chance to win the backup position in Atlanta.