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Falcons might not be done shuffling 53-man roster

Although the Atlanta Falcons set their 53-man roster Saturday, coach Dan Quinn hinted more movement could come after sifting through the released and waived players.

The Falcons' roster includes two quarterbacks, four running backs, six wide receivers, four tight ends, nine offensive linemen, nine defensive linemen, seven linebackers, nine defensive backs, and three specialists. Cornerback Jalen Collins does not count against the 53-man roster while on the reserve-suspended list. Collins is suspended for the first four games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Collins' suspension, along with Akeem King (foot) and DeMarcus Van Dyke (concussion) being placed on injured reserve, leaves the Falcons with four cornerbacks going into the season: Starters Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford along with undrafted rookie Brian Poole and converted receiver C.J. Goodwin.

In others words, the Falcons are on the lookout for help at the position based on the inexperience behind Trufant and Alford.

"We're looking at that, for sure," Quinn said of getting more cornerbacks. "That's a topic that both Thomas [Dimitroff] and I and the staff are going through together. We definitely are looking that way. We're comfortable with the group we have, but we're always looking to see if we can find those guys that fit the profile in terms of how we want to play outside, specifically talking corner. Yeah, we're still digging on that topic.

"We know Jalen's out for a month. Before that time comes, likely we'll be talking to some guys prior to his return."

The Falcons had Poole playing the primary nickel back role during the preseason, although Alford was moved down to cover the slot during training camp. The Falcons face two big wide receivers -- Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson -- in next Sunday's season opener against Tampa Bay, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see the rangy and athletic Goodwin get some reps outside.

"All four will play, and (we'll) just try and feature them in the best spots," Quinn said. "We certainly can move [Alford] inside. Some of it depends on the matchups: When they get into three-wide, do we want to play matchups? Do we want to play zone? Fortunately we have the flexibiltiy to do that because both Robert and Poole play inside, really. Tru and C.J. have played more outside."

It's too early to say which players the Falcons might target. There was some buzz about Denver's Aqib Talib being available via trade, but Broncos general manager John Elway quickly shut down that chatter by refuting that buzz.

One free-agent familiar with the scheme is Phillip Adams, who was on the roster last season.

Quinn said the Falcons also could be looking for depth along the offensive line. Two released players of intrigue included three-time Pro Bowler Josh Sitton from Green Bay and former Tennessee third-round pick Jeremiah Poutasi. Poutasi was drafted by Falcons scout Ruston Webster, who used to be the Titans' general manager.

Of course, the key for any lineman in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's outside zone blocking scheme is having the ability to get out and run. Poutasi had that reputation coming out of college but was more of a power guy in Tennessee. Meanwhile, Sitton has dealt with back issues.

Here's a look at the entire Falcons' 53-man roster:

Quarterbacks (2): Matt Ryan, Matt Schaub

Running backs (3): Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman, Terron Ward

Fullback (1): Patrick DiMarco

Wide receivers (6): Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu, Justin Hardy, Aldrick Robinson, Eric Weems, Nick Williams

Tight ends (4): Jacob Tamme, Austin Hooper, Levine Toilolo, Joshua Perkins

Offensive linemen (9): Jake Matthews, Andy Levitre, Alex Mack, Chris Chester, Ryan Schraeder, Mike Person, Tom Compton, Ben Garland, Wes Schweitzer

Defensive linemen (9) Jonathan Babineaux, Adrian Clayborn, Dwight Freeney, Ra'Shede Hageman, Tyson Jackson, Grady Jarrett, Brooks Reed, Derrick Shelby, Courtney Upshaw

Linebackers (7): Vic Beasley Jr., De'Vondre Campbell, Deion Jones, LaRoy Reynolds, Sean Weatherspoon, Philip Wheeler, Paul Worrilow

Cornerbacks (4): Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, Brian Poole, C.J. Goodwin

Safeties (5): Keanu Neal, Ricardo Allen, Robenson Therezie, Kemal Ishmael, Dashon Goldson

Specialist (3): Matt Bryant (kicker), Matt Bosher (punter), Josh Harris (long-snapper)

Cornerback Jalen Collins was put on the reserve-suspended list and does not count against the 53-man roster while serving a four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.