The Atlanta Falcons made a roster adjustment on their practice squad Tuesday, confirming the signing of linebacker Rashaan Evans. This move came just a day after reports surfaced about Evans joining the team. In exchange, the Falcons released defensive back Dane Cruikshank, who had been with the team since May.
Cruikshank, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 209 pounds, was promoted to the active roster for the Falcons’ Week 2 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, contributing 14 snaps on special teams in the 22-21 victory. However, after that game, he returned to the practice squad, where he remained for the next two weeks.
At 29, Cruikshank was initially brought in as an experienced presence for a then-young secondary. However, after the mid-August signing of All-Pro safety Justin Simmons, Atlanta no longer had as much need for Cruikshank’s services.
During the preseason, Cruikshank appeared in two games, recording two tackles and one pass defended. He was released during roster cutdowns on August 27 but quickly re-signed to the practice squad. Over his six-year NFL career, Cruikshank has played in 55 games, with four starts, and has accumulated 66 tackles, two passes defended, one interception, and a forced fumble.
Originally drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fifth round of the 2018 draft, Cruikshank spent four seasons with the team, playing in 44 games and starting in four. He moved on to the Chicago Bears in 2022 before being placed on injured reserve. He later signed with the New York Jets but was released at the end of training camp, leading to a brief return to Tennessee.
Now, Cruikshank finds himself a free agent once more, while Evans, his former teammate from Tennessee, makes his return to Atlanta.
