# Falcons Sign 2 Former 49ers 2nd-Round Pick and Bears RB

> Falcons add tight end and running back to bolster defense after placing defensive tackle on injured reserve.
- Title: Falcons Sign 2 Former 49ers 2nd-Round Pick and Bears RB
- Summary: Falcons add tight end and running back to bolster defense after placing defensive tackle on injured reserve. Atlanta Falcons signed tight end Nick Muse and…
- Keywords: atlanta falcons, da’shawn hand, nick muse, khalil herbert, chicago bears, san francisco 49ers, nfl, defensive tackle, injured reserve, practice squad, sports, Falcons
- Source: Atlanta Falcons On SI — https://si.com/nfl/falcons/onsi/falcons-sign-2-former-49ers-2nd-round-pick-and-bears-rb
- Published: 2026-09-16T16:22:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: atlanta falcons, da’shawn hand, nick muse, khalil herbert, chicago bears, san francisco 49ers, nfl, defensive tackle, injured reserve, practice squad, sports
## Falcons place defensive tackle on injured reserve
Atlanta Falcons placed defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand on injured reserve Wednesday morning.
## Falcons sign tight end Nick Muse
Atlanta filled Hand’s spot on the active roster by signing tight end Nick Muse.
## Defensive tackle depth limited
Falcons now have four defensive tackles on active roster: Gervon Dexter Sr., LaCale London, Maason Smith and Brandon Dorlus.
## Dorlus versatility at risk
Dorlus provides flexibility to move outside but will find himself increasingly needed inside with Hand unavailable.
## Hand’s absence shifts responsibility
Hand’s absence means more responsibility could fall on Dexter, London, and Smith to keep defensive linemen fresh.
## Dexter and Smith gain roles
Dexter, acquired from Chicago Bears, brings young interior defender; Smith aims to establish consistency after trade for Ruke Orhorhoro.
## Falcons add practice squad players
Atlanta signed defensive end Drake Jackson and running back Khalil Herbert to practice squad Wednesday.
## Jackson’s injury history
Jackson was 2022 second-round pick of San Francisco 49ers out of USC with three sacks in 2022 and 2023.
## Herbert’s background
Herbert was 2021 sixth-round pick of Chicago Bears with 731 yards and four touchdowns in 2022.
## Depth concerns remain
Hand’s placement on injured reserve stands out due to limited defensive tackles available for the Falcons defense.
## Key takeaway

Atlanta Falcons signed tight end Nick Muse and running back Khalil Herbert to address defensive depth concerns following defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand's injury.