Former SIU linebacker released by Atlanta Falcons

Members of the SIU football team attempt to block a field goal during Saluki football’s Du Quoin scrimmage game Friday, April 1, 2016, at DuQuoin High School. (Jacob Wiegand | @jawiegandphoto)

Members of the SIU football team attempt to block a field goal during Saluki football’s Du Quoin scrimmage game Friday, April 1, 2016, at DuQuoin High School. (Jacob Wiegand | @jawiegandphoto)

By Sean Carley

One former Saluki’s NFL dreams have been temporarily put on hold.

Brandon Williams was released by the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday night when the team had to trim its roster to 75 players.

The Du Quoin native appeared in each of the Falcons’ first three preseason games as a defensive end. He tallied four total tackles with a half sack in the first two games, and failed to record a stat in the Week 3 game against the Miami Dolphins.

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Williams signed with the team in May after participating in a tryout for undrafted free agents.

While playing linebacker at SIU, Williams registered 101 total tackles, 9.5 sacks with two fumbles forced and recovered. He also blocked a kick in three consecutive games last season, returning one for a touchdown against Western Illinois in Macomb while earning honorable mention All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors in the process.

Sports editor Sean Carley can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @SCarleyDE.

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