The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Punter Colquitt signed to compete with rookie Nizialek
FLOWERY BRANCH — After a shaky game by punter Cameron Nizialek, veteran punter Dustin Colquitt was signed to the practice squad Tuesday.
The players will compete throughout the week and a decision on the punter will be made Friday or Saturday.
“Just like last week with the line, we’re always going to see what’s out there and if there is any way that we can help this team,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said Wednesday. “Rosterwise, emergency list, (we are) doing our job as a foot- ball staff.”
Colquitt, 39, is from the famed Tennessee Colquitt family of punters. His father, Craig Colquitt, punted for the Steelers (1978-84) and the Colts (1987). His brother Britton Colquitt (Denver, 2010-15), (Cleveland, 2016- 18) and (Minnesota, 2019-20) and cousin Jimmy Colquitt (Seattle, 1985) also punted in the NFL.
“It brings in competition, it also protects you, and it could also help Cam with his growth,” Smith said. “It’s not like he’s punted a lot. Dustin is my age . ... He’s got a lot of experience, and we have to make the best decision going into New York this week, or I guess going into New Jersey.”
After left guard Jalen Mayfield had a bumpy debut Sept. 12 against the Eagles, the Falcons signed a couple of veteran guards. But Mayfield had a good week of prac t ice and showed improvement. Both of the veterans, Danny Isidora and Bryan Witzmann have been released since then.
Nizialek had punts of 30 and 33 yards against the Bucs. The Falcons appear set to give him a chance to bounce back like Mayfield did.
“I thought Jalen took a step,” Smith said. “It was not perfect. But when you get a rookie guy, it says a lot about him because I’ve seen guys crumble. It doesn’t go their way Week 1. … That’s the same thing with the punter, we have to make an objec- tive decision at the end of the week.
“But these are young guys,
and I don’t want to get them all of a sudden they are riskaverse. (We) let Jalen play through it. I thought he made a step. Now can we see him take another step.”
Disappearing draft pick? Falcons defensive tackle John Cominsky, a third-year veteran, was a healthy scratch against Tampa Bay when he was declared inactive Sunday.
’ve got to make tough decisions every Sunday about who’s up and who’s down,” Smith said Wednesday. “A lot of it has to do with the game plan and some of the things we need to do. A lot of it has to do with special teams. You combine that and try to make the best decision for the team. You want to have hard decisions with those inactive spots. I feel like we do.”
Cominsky was a fourthround pick in 2019 out of the Charleston (W.VA.). He’s played in 24 games and has made one start. Rookie defensive tackle Ta’quon Graham was activated for the game.
Cominsky played only two defensive snaps (3%) and 18 special teams plays (69%) in the opener against the Eagles the week before. Graham played 13 defensive snaps (21%) and seven on special teams (23%). Graham had a tackle.
“Obviously, we value what John does for this team,” Smith said. “But at the time we felt we’d put T.Q. up, and that was a decision that we thought best fit the game plan. Those are week-toweek decisions. There are no scholarships. All of a sudden you’re active, doesn’t mean you’re going to be active all year.”
Etc.: Wide receiver Frank Darby (calf ) is close to returning but did not practice.
The Falcons also are hop- ing cornerback Kendall Shef- field (undisclosed injury) and left guard Josh Andrews (bro- ken hand) will return from injured reserve soon.