Falcons release OLB Jacob Tuioti-Mariner in surprise move

Updated Nov. 9, 2021 5:05 p.m. ET

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons released outside linebacker Jacob Tuioti-Mariner and punter Cam Nizialek on Tuesday.

The Falcons also signed defensive back Chris Williamson from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

The release of Tuioti-Mariner was a surprise. Though he was inactive for two games, including last week's win at New Orleans, Tuioti-Mariner shared the team lead with two sacks and had nine tackles.

Tuioti-Mariner moved from defensive tackle to outside linebacker for the 2021 season. He had 31 tackles and one sack in 16 games in 2020.

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The Falcons may soon have more help at linebacker. Dante Fowler could return to practice this week from a knee injury.

Nizialek opened the season as the starting punter before he was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury on Oct. 5. Atlanta signed veteran Dustin Colquitt, who has kept the starting job.

On Monday, the Falcons waived defensive tackle Deadrin Senat, a 2018 third-round draft pick.

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