Matt

Bosher

Bosher was just activated this week but is back on IR after having a setback in practice. He appeared in just three games this season due to injuries, averaging 41.9 yards per punt. The Falcons re-signed Ryan Allen to replace Bosher.

Bosher resumed practicing last month and is slated to return against the Panthers in Week 14. He replaces Ryan Allen, who the Falcons released on Friday. Groin issues have limited Bosher to just three games this year.

Bosher has missed the last two weeks with a groin injury. The Falcons couldn’t afford to wait on him and needed the roster spot. Matt Wylie will take over as Atlanta’s punter.

The deal includes $5.95 million guaranteed and a $2.5 million signing bonus. Bosher has been punting and handling kickoffs for the Falcons since being a sixth-round pick in 2011. He finished tied for fourth in the league last season with a 41.7 net average on 68 punts and produced 50 touchbacks on kickoffs.

Bryant’s preference is to return to Atlanta, so the sides have a good chance of reaching a deal after the lockout is lifted. The Falcons did draft Matt Bosher in the sixth round, but he’s expected to be used primarily as a punter.

Bosher handled both kicking and punting duties for the Hurricanes, though he was announced as the former by Atlanta. While he possesses just average leg strength, Bosher was impressively accurate with a 84.7 career conversion rate at Miami. Matt Bryant is a free agent this offseason, so Bosher should get a chance to handle field goal duties.

Michael Koenen, one of the highest-paid punters in the league the past two years, is a free agent. Kicker Matt Bryant, also a free agent, is more likely to be brought back after converting a series of game-winners last season. Insurance for both, Bosher figures to handle kickoffs and punting duties.

Bosher handled punting and place-kicking at Miami. He’s expected to take over as Falcons punter, pushing free agent Michael Koenen out of Atlanta.