Dimitri

Nance

Nance is a pedestrian runner, but knows how to pass protect, can play on third downs, and contributes on special teams. The Falcons want to increase their no-huddle usage under new OC Dirk Koetter. Nance will push for a roster spot.

Nance hasn’t had a touch on offense since Week 2. He’s primarily a special teamer.

“I look forward to going forward with him and Brandon. I think that is a good 1-2 punch,” McCarthy said. “Now that we have him involved, he’s caught up on everything, and I would like to get him more in the flow of the game.” With a squatty build, Nance is ideally suited for Kuhn’s former short-yardage role. He’s well worth carrying in TD-heavy leagues.

The undrafted rookie did not return and was replaced by John Kuhn in short-yardage sets. Nance finished with one carry for no yards, getting stuffed on his only goal-line run but still showing the ability to keep his feet moving after initial contact. Nance’s status for Week 13 is uncertain.

Jackson played more snaps than Starks Sunday, but Starks ran the ball 14 more times and McCarthy said he graded out well both as a runner and in pass protection. He did add that it was pretty obvious that when Starks was in the game, they were going to run the ball, which is something that needs to be fixed. Nance (concussion) was inactive for the game but could get the short-yardage duties when he’s ready. Starks is the back you want to own here for the remainder of the season.

“You just add another guy that you can count on as we move forward,” Bennett said. “We feel like we have three guys who can jump back there and be productive.” While Kuhn could still see some touches, he’s likely to focus more on his fullback role going forward. Nance has appeared to pass him in the pecking order for carries and could be used as the goal-line back.

We’re not sure if Nance has been cleared yet, but it’s good that he’s at least doing something at practice. He’ll need to participate in contact drills to be ready for Week 13, though. If he sits out, James Starks would be on the active roster for the first time.

There’s nothing to see here. Nance spelled Brandon Jackson a couple times, but most of his carries came in garbage time.

We assume that means he’s passed his concussion tests. Assuming he has no setbacks, Nance should return to being the Packers’ goal-line back this week, with John Kuhn sticking at fullback. It appears James Starks will be among the inactives again.