The Atlanta Falcons announced the additions of eight players to the practice squad, including released Buffalo Bills quarterback Matt Simms.
The others on the list include waived draft picks Tyler Starr and Stansly Maponga -- both outside linebackers -- along with nose tackle Joey Mbu, offensive tackle Pierce Burton, linebacker Derek Akunne, cornerback Akeem King, and tight end Marcel Jensen.
Simms, the son of former Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms, entered the league in 2012 as an undrafted rookie with the New York Jets. He spent two seasons with Jets before being claimed by the Bills off waivers. He has appeared in four NFL games, completing 19 of 39 passes for 195 yards, a touchdown, and one interception with the Jets.
Simms has a chance to develop under Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. The Falcons only have two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster in starter Matt Ryan and backup Sean Renfree, and Renfree is unproven.
The NFL now allows teams to carry as many as 10 players on the practice squad, so we'll see if the Falcons make any more additions.
