Falcons' Feleipe Franks: Draws two targets in 2022
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Franks didn't haul in either of his two targets across 11 appearances during the 2022 campaign.
Franks began working as a tight end last offseason and was reportedly impressive during training camp at his new position. However, he ultimately failed to carve out a solid role, even with Kyle Pitts (knee) sidelined to end the year. Franks saw more than five offensive snaps on one occasion this season (Week 5 against Tampa Bay) and failed to haul in either of his targets across 27 snaps during that contest. He's under contract for one more year, and a full offseason will presumably be beneficial for his development at tight end, though he likely has a long way to go before earning a consistent offensive role.
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Falcons' Feleipe Franks: Ready to go for season finale
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Franks (concussion) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's contest against the Buccaneers, Scott Bair of the Falcons' official website reports.
Franks will return to the field after a one-game absence while recovering from a concussion he suffered in Week 16 versus the Ravens. The 25-year-old has operated as a depth option at both quarterback and tight end this season while playing the majority of his snaps on special teams.
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Falcons' Feleipe Franks: Won't return versus Baltimore
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Franks (concussion) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of Saturday's game against the Ravens, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
Franks was evaluated for a concussion during the second half, and it now appears that he's set to enter protocols following Saturday's game. The 25-year-old will now have a slightly longer week to recover before Atlanta's next game versus Arizona on Sunday, Jan. 1.
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Falcons' Feleipe Franks: Ruled out for Week 11
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Franks (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 11 matchup with the Bears, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official website reports.
Franks will miss a second consecutive game in Week 11 as he continues to nurse a calf issue. His absence doesn't carry much of an impact on the Falcons' offensive game plan, and he'll now set his sights on being ready for Week 12 versus the Commanders.
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Falcons' Feleipe Franks: Earns spot on initial roster
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Franks made the Falcons' initial 53-man roster Tuesday, Jeff Schultz of The Athletic reports.
Franks transitioned to tight end this offseason and has made the team's initial 53-man roster as the No. 3 QB and No. 3 TE. He likely will only be an emergency option at quarterback, but it's possible he carves out a role as a depth tight end behind Kyle Pitts and Parker Hesse. Franks admitted learning how to block and get into a three-point stance was a struggle, but the pass-catching aspect of his new role has come naturally. As a rookie last year, the undrafted athlete out of Arkansas ran three times for six yards across 13 offensive snaps, but the Falcons could utilize him more in Year 2.
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Falcons' Feleipe Franks: Getting reps at tight end
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Franks was wearing a white jersey and working as a tight end instead of as a quarterback during individual periods Friday, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.
It's unclear whether this is a permanent move, but it would make sense after Atlanta signed Marcus Mariota in March and added Desmond Ridder in the third round of this year's draft. Franks has the size to play tight end (6-foot-6, 234 lbs.), and he ran a 4.59 40-yard dash at his pro day, so he's clearly not lacking for athleticism. The uber-talented 21-year-old Kyle Pitts functions more like a wide receiver than a traditional tight end, so if the move is permanent, Franks would likely compete for reps behind Anthony Firkser, who's flashed some talent of his own, in 2022.
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Falcons' Feleipe Franks: Retakes backup role
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Franks is active for Sunday's game against the Saints and will serve as the backup quarterback, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
Franks was inactive in Week 17, likely because he was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 just one day before the game. He'll retake the backup role for the season finale, with Josh Rosen (coach's decision) instead not dressing for the matchup.
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Falcons' Feleipe Franks: Inactive Sunday
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Franks (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game at Buffalo, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
Franks was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday but won't suit up for Sunday's contest. Josh Rosen will instead serve as the backup quarterback to starter Matt Ryan in Week 17.
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Falcons' Feleipe Franks: Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list
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Franks was put on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, Tori McElhaney and Scott Bair of the Falcons' official website report.
The quarterback tested positive for the virus Tuesday, and he was promptly placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Franks has been serving as the primary backup option to Matt Ryan for the past few weeks, but Josh Rosen will likely step back into that role while he's out.
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Falcons' Feleipe Franks: Nabs roster spot
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Franks earned a spot on the Falcons' initial 53-man roster, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
The rookie UDFA out of Arkansas saw action in all three preseason contests and completed 11 of 26 passes for 128 yards with zero touchdowns and one interception. Franks benefitted from the injury to AJ McCarron (knee), who suffered a season-ending injury during the second exhibition contest. Atlanta recently signed Josh Rosen and will open the season with both quarterbacks as backup options for starter Matt Ryan, barring another acquisition.
