Just hours before the start of training camp, the Atlanta Falcons announced the release of second-year receiver Darius Johnson.
The former undrafted player made quite an impression as a rookie last season before suffering a high-ankle sprain. Johnson was promoted from the practice squad in October after Julio Jones (foot) was lost for the season and Roddy White (hamstring/ankle) missed the first games of his NFL career.
Johnson played in 10 games, starting two. He caught 22 passes for 210 yards with a touchdown.
Jones is back in the fold this season and White is expected to be healthy. Behind them is Harry Douglas and Drew Davis, who is unlikely to be ready to start the season after having foot surgery.
Return specialist Devin Hester should see some time at receiver as well, and veteran Courtney Roby could make an impression during training camp. Roby is considered to be a top gunner on special teams, which makes him more valuable to keep around.
Undrafted rookie Bernard Reedy from Toledo made an impression this offseason. If he continues, he will make it hard for the Falcons to cut him.
The Falcons signed possession receiver Jeremy Ebert this week as another camp body.
