The Falcons have placed wide receiver and return man Devin Hester on the injured reserve list with the designation to return, the team announced today in a press release. The move will sideline Hester, who is battling turf toe, for at least eight weeks, making him eligible to return for Atlanta’s Week 13 game against the Buccaneers.
“We have been trying to treat his toe injury the best we could, and he has been doing everything in his power to get back on the field, but at this point we think this is the best plan of action,” head coach Dan Quinn said of Hester. “We are confident this time will let Devin get healthy and be a big contributor to this team once he is back on the field.”
Hester, who turns 33 next month, earned his fourth Pro Bowl berth last year in his first season with the Falcons, after leading the league in kick return yardage and punt return average. However, his toe injury has prevented him from seeing any regular season action so far in 2015. Eric Weems has been Atlanta’s primary return man in Hester’s absence.
The Falcons also made several other roster moves today, cutting tight end Mickey Shuler as well. With the two open roster spots, the club signed safety Charles Godfrey and tight end Tony Moeaki. Both Godfrey and Moeaki had recent stints in Atlanta, as Moeaki was released during the team’s preseason cutdown to 53 players, while Godfrey was dropped to make room for tackle Jake Long last month.
Atlanta becomes the 18th team to use its IR-DTR slot this season, as our complete list shows.
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