Falcons Cuts: CB Dominique Franks and LB Spencer Adkins waived to reach 53

The Falcons cut their team from 75 to 53 on Friday.

By Mike Singer

Aug 31, 2012 at 2:33 pm ET • 1 min read

The Falcons cut 21 players from their roster on Friday afternoon and added S Shann Schillinger to injured-reserve. The biggest surprises were CB Dominique Franks and LB Spencer Adkins, both of whom played significant roles with the team last year. The team is permitted to establish an eight-man practice squad beginning Saturday at noon.

Notable cuts: CB Dominique Franks (3rd year, 5th round in 2010, Oklahoma) played in 11 games last year for the Falcons with 10 tackles and two interceptions. This preseason he had 16 tackles and an interception and had been assigned punt returning duties. Franks' release could mean the team plans to keep this year's 6th round pick Charles Mitchell, who's impressed coaches thus far with his aggressive play. LB Spencer Adkins (4th year, 6th round in 2009, Miami) was listed as second string on the Falcons depth chart behind OLB Stephen Nicholas. He had just four tackles this preseason but provided insurance for LBs Nicholas and Sean Weatherspoon. Adkins started and had four tackles in last year's playoff loss to the Giants. LS Joe Zelenka (14th year, undrafted, Wake Forest) was signed as a free agent in 2009. 23-year-old Josh Harris from Auburn will replace the veteran.

Complete cut list:

CB Dominique Franks (3rd year, Oklahoma); LB Spencer Adkins (4th year, 6th round in 2009 Miami); WR Drew Davis (2nd year, undrafted, Oregon); T Bryce Harris (rookie, undrafted, Fresno State) DL Conrad Obi (rookie, undrafted, Colorado); WR Marcus Jackson (rookie, undrafted, Lamar); CB Marty Markett (rookie, undrafted, South Carolina); RB Dimitri Nance (3rd year, undrafted, Arizona State); DT Micanor Regis (rookie, undrafted, Miami); WR James Rodgers (rookie, undrafted, Oregon State); CB Peyton Thompson (rookie, undrafted, San Jose State); DB Suaesi Tuimaunei (2nd year, undrafted, Oregon State); LB Jerrell Harris (rookie, undrafted, Alabama); LB Rico Council (rookie, undrafted, Tennessee State); LB Pat Schiller (rookie, undrafted, Northern Illinois); C Tyler Horn (rookie, undrafted, Miami); WR Kerry Meier (3rd year, drafted 5th round 2010, Kansas); FB Mike Cox (5th year, undrafted, Georgia Tech); LS Joe Zelenka (14th year, undrafted, Wake Forest).