The Falcons, who are thin at running back, lost rookie Brian Hill to the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday.
Hill, who was drafted in the fifth round out of Wyoming, was signed off the practice squad.
Falcons starting running back Devonta Freeman is in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Tevin Coleman and Terron Ward carried the load for the Falcons against Dallas Cowboys after Freeman left early in the game.
Hill struggled in the exhibition season for the Falcons, but was developing well in practice, according to head coach Dan Quinn.
“We feel he’s made progress over the last couple weeks,” Quinn said on Monday when asked about Hill. “As his (developmental) work has taken place, I felt maybe over the last month, you’ve seen that come through. He’s been one of the black jersey award (best teammate in practice) winners for us during that time. We’re encouraged by his development so far.”
Hill, who was slowed with an ankle injury in the exhibition season, made the opening day roster. He played in the fourth regular-season game, against the Buffalo Bills, on special teams. He was waived on Oct. 14. He was signed to practice squad since Oct. 17.
HILL DRAFT’S BIO
FIFTH ROUND (156th overall) BRIAN HILL, RB, WYOMING HEIGHT: 6-foot-1 WEIGHT: 219 pounds ARM LENGTH: 31 3/8 inches HAND SIZE: 8 7/8 inches 40-YARD DASH: 4.48 seconds BENCH PRESS: 15 reps of 225 pounds VERTICALJUMP: 34 inches BROAD JUMP: 10 feet, 5 inches THREE-CONE DRILL: 7.03 seconds ■ OVERVIEW: He played in 38 games and made 28 starts over his career. He rushed for 4,287 yards and averaged 5.5 yards per carry while scoring 35 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 41 passes for 403 yards over his career. He was a two-year starter rushing for 135.9 yards per game as a sophomore and 132.9 yards per game as a junior. He runs well off tackle and can bounce his runs to the outside. He runs with toughness and has vision in the open field.
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