The Atlanta Falcons announced on Tuesday afternoon they had re-signed wide receiver Frank Darby to the practice squad. Terrin Waack shared the news on Twitter/X. In a corresponding move tight end Parker Hesse has been moved to injured reserve.
General manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith drafted Darby in the 6th-round of the 2021 NFL Draft, their first in Atlanta.
He featured regularly on special teams in 2021 and saw action in five games last season. Darby picked up an injury during training camp and was released mid-August.
Despite his limited action, Darby quickly became a fan favorite of those who attended practices and saw him in action. His infectious personality could be seen as he danced between reps and always had a smile on his face.
Hesse is also in his third year with the organization. He played in all-17 games last season and had nine catches for 89 yards. Hesse also stood out on special teams with 221 snaps.
It’s unlikely that the Falcons signed Darby to jump start an offense that has underachieved to start the season. However Arthur Smith admitted this week that the team has to find a way to start games faster.
They’ll get their next opportunity this week at Mercedes-Benz stadium against the resurgent Houston Texans. Expected to be a doormat in 2023, the Texans are coming off two-impressive victories over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers.
After back-to-back road losses, the Atlanta Falcons welcome being back in at home, but they’ll have their work cut out for them Sunday at 1 p.m. EST.
