The Falcons promoted defensive tackle Joe Vellano from their practice squad and waived cornerback Deji Olatoye to make room.
This marks the second time in 2017 the Falcons promoted Vellano to their active roster, having done so before the NFC championship game as well. Vellano played in Super Bowl LI as a backup, the fifth playoff contest for which he’s dressed.
A 28-year-old ex-UDFA out of Maryland, Vellano spent 2016 with the Falcons before being signed to Atlanta’s practice squad after this past training camp. But his most notable NFL work came with the Patriots. New England deployed Vellano as a starter in eight games during the 2013 season. Vellano also collected a Super Bowl ring in being a part-time performer with the 2014 Pats.
A Ravens UDFA in 2014, Olatoye has spent time with the Chiefs, Cowboys and Falcons but has yet to play in a regular-season game.