Falcons Sign Free-Agent Fullback to Practice Squad

The Atlanta Falcons haven't been afraid to go against the grain this season. Despite the league-wide shift to passing-oriented offenses, head coach Arthur Smith has swerved in the other direction, turning Atlanta into one of the NFL's most run-happy teams.

Now the old-school Falcons have signed a free-agent fullback to their practice squad following Week 16.

The #Falcons are signing FA FB Clint Ratkovich to the practice squad, source said. He was one of the draft’s top fullbacks before he tore his ACL in a private workout with the #Packers. Now, he lands in Atlanta with an eye toward the future.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2022

Atlanta Falcons News

Atlanta has inked FB Clint Ratkovich to its practice squad. He adds to the team's fullback depth behind Falcons mainstay Keith Smith.

Ratkovich was a highly-rated FB prospect heading into the 2022 draft, but a torn ACL during a private workout cratered his chances of catching on with a team. Now fully recovered, he could be a difference-maker in the right system. He had a very productive senior season at Northern Illinois in 2021, scoring 13 touchdowns on just 105 rushing attempts.

The 6-foot-1, 228-pound back gives Atlanta a potential short-yardage bruiser and established blocker. His signing affords the team an up-close look at the young fullback to close out the season. With Smith heading to free agency, Ratkovich has an obvious opportunity to carve out a role if he impresses.

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