The Atlanta Falcons moved swiftly in waiving Prince Shembo after the second-year linebacker was charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals. Shembo was booked Friday night for allegedly killing his ex-girlfriend's Yorkville Terrier, although his attorney called it an accident.
While Shembo proceeds through the legal system, the Falcons will continue with business as usual next week during organized team activities. Shembo was in the mix behind projected starter Brooks Reed and O'Brien Schofield at outside linebacker, but there was no guarantee Shembo was going to have a role in coach Dan Quinn's scheme.
Last year's coaching staff saw tremendous potential in Shembo and thought he would help soothe some of the team's concerns at inside linebacker. But the rookie and former fourth-round draft pick had a tough time transitioning to a new position after playing outside linebacker in college at Notre Dame. Shembo started three games in 2014 and was hampered by knee issues.
Those knee issues followed him into this offseason, where he tried to showcase his talents while not at full strength. Quinn said from the start Shembo would shift back to outside linebacker in his 4-3 under defense that incorporates some 3-4 personnel tendencies. Shembo said there even was some talk of him playing the LEO hybrid pass-rusher role.
The Falcons entered the offseason hurting for depth at linebacker, but the additions of Reed and Schofield minimized Shembo's value. He needed a great offseason to prove he deserved snaps.
Now, it's the next-man-up scenario for the Falcons. With Reed's return from a "minor" groin injury still unclear, Schofield is sure to remain with the starters at strongside linebacker. With Shembo out of the mix, guys such as Stansly Maponga and Malliciah Goodman will get more opportunities at strongside linebacker.
Again, it will be business as usual for the Falcons next week. The subtraction of Shembo is unlikely to have much impact.
