Matt Simms

Simms was likely to be beaten out by Matt Schaub for the backup quarterback role anyway, but his injury sealed the deal. Since he was placed on injured reserve before the season began, Simms won't play in the 2019 season.

The 30-year-old Simms rejoined the Falcons after Kurt Benkert suffered a toe injury in the Hall of Fame Game, and made exhibition appearances against the Dolphins and Jets before being saddled with an injury of his own. The nature and severity of the issue has yet to be revealed, but Simms's absence does not bode well for what began as a puncher's chance at a 53-man roster spot. If able to return soon he is a candidate for a practice squad spot, though Danny Etling -- with thus far impressive rushing ability and competent passing -- may offer higher upside for such a role.

Playing against his former team -- the only franchise for which he's logged regular-season playing time -- Simms struggled throughout the second half of Thursday's exhibition as Atlanta dropped its 11th straight preseason contest. The 30-year-old signal caller was able to lead Atlanta into field-goal range on his second drive of the night, but from there the offense's results on the subsequent five possessions were punt, fumble, punt, fumble, pick-six. Simms looks to bounce back in the "dress rehearsal" game Thursday against Washingotn.

Former Falcons practice squad player and quarterback of the AAF's Atlanta Legends, Simms saw his first action in an NFL regular or preseason game since August 2017. During the 2017 exhibition slate for the Falcons, Simms posted a 57.1 percent completion rate with 8.0 yards per attempt, one touchdown and one interception, but was cut before the start of the regular season and replaced by Kurt Benkert (toe) and Garrett Grayson as potential third-string options last summer. With Benkert having recently been placed on injured reserve, Simms has an opportunity to get some preseason reps with the Falcons, and potentially shoot for a backup job behind Matt Ryan and Matt Schaub with stellar performances over the next three weeks.