Keith

Smith

Per RapSheet, the Atlanta fullback paid a speeding ticket fine, informed the Falcons, and assumed the matter was over. He was then pulled over Wednesday for an expired registration and arrested for driving on a suspended license stemming from the previous incident. The Falcons were made aware of both incidents and have yet to provide additional comment.

Smith, a nine-year veteran, was recently re-signed by the Falcons on a one-year deal. The specifics of the charges remain unknown. The Falcons issued a statement acknowledging the legal matter but refrained from making any further comments. Smith’s role in the offense dwindled towards the end of the 2022 season as the team cut their 21-personnel usage in half after Week 9.

Smith doesn’t touch the ball much but is on the field a surprising amount. He played on a quarter of the Falcons’ offensive snaps last year and has been a mainstay of Atlanta’s special teams unit since joining them in 2019. He could lose some snaps to Jonnu Smith, who occasionally lines up in the backfield, but his role on special teams will guarantee him a roster spot.

Smith played on just 16.8% of the offense’s snaps in 2019, but was on the field for 58.6% of plays on special teams. The six-year veteran will turn 28 in April.

The move saves the Raiders $1.5 million after Oakland signed Smith to a two-year deal last offseason. “Alec Ingold” appears to be the Raiders’ lead blocker.

Smith was a restricted free agent, but the Cowboys didn’t tender him an offer. A converted linebacker, Smith wasn’t a particularly effective lead blocker in Dallas. Oakland is scrounging because true fullbacks are fewer and farther between these days.

Smith suffered a knee injury prior to training camp and is expected to sit out a few weeks while recovering. As it stands, Alec Ingold will play the position until Smith is fully recovered. It’s possible the Raiders also choose to sign a fullback off the streets.

Smith was dealing with a knee injury right before training camp began, but he returned right on schedule.

Smith was among Oakland’s final roster cuts this weekend. Ricky Ortiz was expected to handle fullback duties for the Falcons this year, but suffered an ankle injury in last week’s preseason finale. The 6'0,” 240-pounder has contributed just 74 yards from scrimmage (69 receiving, five rushing) on 16 scoreless touches for his career.

With Sean Lee (concussion) out, Dallas may have promoted Smith anyway, but this is not a great sign for Rolando McClain’s (hand/foot, questionable) status. Doug Martin is in a great spot this week.