The Atlanta Falcons apparently have settled on Sean Renfree as their backup to Matt Ryan, for the moment.
T.J. Yates, who backed up Ryan last season, confirmed to ESPN.com he was released Friday, while ESPN Insider Adam Schefter reported the team released veteran Rex Grossman, too.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn made clear the decision would come down to Renfree and Yates following Thursday's preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens. Renfree, a former seventh-round pick from Duke, showed some flashes throughout the preseason.
Yates said his conversation with the Falcons on Friday was brief.
The moves made by the Falcons don't necessarily mean they are content to enter the season with just Ryan and Renfree. It wouldn't be a surprise to see them shop around for veteran help once all of the final cuts are made.
Ryan hasn't missed a regular season game since 2009, but the Falcons have to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Not to mention the offensive line's ability to protect remains a question mark, although the team traded a 2016 sixth-round draft pick and future conditional pick to Tennessee in exchange for veteran left guard Andy Levitre.
The Falcons confirmed the released of Yates and Grossman and also announced the release of defensive end Cliff Matthews, safety Sean Baker, linebacker Terrell Manning, tackle Jake Rodgers, guard Jared Smith, and cornerback Kevin White. Rodgers' was a seventh-round draft pick this year. The roster now sits at 67 players and needs to be cut to 53 by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday.
