99 John Atkins DE

Atkins signed with the Falcons on Thursday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Atkins, who played his college ball at the University of Georgia, appeared in 14 games for the Lions in 2018 and 2019, starting six games and recording 14 solo tackles. He opted out of the 2020 season.

The Lions waived Atkins on Wednesday.

After opting out of the 2020 season, the 27-year-old won't be rejoining the Lions for training camp. Atkins appeared in 12 games in 2019, totaling 20 tackles (13 solo) as a rotational defensive tackle.

Atkins announced he would opt of the season Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Atkins does not qualify for the high-risk opt-out, so he'll be slated to make $150,000 this year. The backup defensive tackle has piled together 22 tackles in two seasons with the Lions.

Atkins was promoted to the Lions' active roster before Monday's loss to the Packers.

Atkins was called up to give the Lions some extra defensive line depth for Monday's contest, as he contributed one tackle in the loss. It remains to be seen if this was a matchup-specific move or if Atkins will remain on the active roster going forward.

The Lions activated Atkins (undisclosed) off their Non-Football Injury list Tuesday, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Atkins was dealing with an undisclosed issue, but it seems the injury wasn't serious enough to force him to miss the start of camp. The Georgia product recorded two tackles while suiting up in two games for Detroit last season.

The Lions placed Atkins on their Non-Football Injury list Friday with an undisclosed issue.

The exact nature and severity of the injury is unclear. Atkins recorded two tackles over two games in his rookie season with Detroit. The Lions begin training camp Wednesday.

Atkins recorded two tackles in two games for Detroit in 2018.

Atkins went undrafted out of Georgia last offseason and found his way to Detroit after spending the majority of the year with New England. He isn't much of a threat as a pass rusher, but he could develop into a quality early-down run-stuffer down the road.

Atkins was promoted from the Lions' practice squad to the active roster Tuesday.

Atkins has earned a promotion to Detroit's active roster after the team was forced to place the injured Da'Shawn Hand (knee) on IR. Atkins could see his first career NFL action against the Vikings on Sunday.