Sunday has been all about NFL cut day and some former Michigan State stars got some good news while others were let go by the team that they spent the preseason with.
The Atlanta Falcons rostered two different Spartans during preseason action and both were on the bubble entering cut day on Sunday. Unfortunately, neither made the initial 53-man rosterA couple.
Nate Carter made the roster last year and Jack Velling was signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft, and both were lobbying for a spot on the initial roster but that unfortunately didn’t work out as planned.
Both were cut on Sunday evening.
Our initial 53 😤https://t.co/FSagotT2Gt pic.twitter.com/G27t2NL3sO
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 30, 2026
The Carter cut was a little more surprising considering he was on the roster last season and the Falcons are only keeping two running backs. Fans were just as confused with several comments questioning the fact that Atlanta is rostering four quarterbacks and just two running backs. One injury in the backfield puts the Falcons in a really bad spot.
As for Velling, he was always fighting an uphill battle after going undrafted but he did make some plays during the preseason that had some people believing that he had a chance.
Unfortunately, neither did enough in the preseason to earn a spot on the initial roster, but don’t be surprised if the Falcons sign both to their practice squad, giving them a chance for a call-up later in the season.
Jack Velling, Nate Carter are an injury away from a call-up
Although Carter and Velling didn’t make the initial roster, they’re both an injury or two away from a call-up from the practice squad, assuming they make it.
Velling caught a touchdown pass in the Falcons’ preseason finale and Carter really impressed the coaching staff last season. Also, given that both the running back and tight end rooms are pretty thin, there’s a real shot that both are playing for the Falcons at some point this season.
Carter did have a rough preseason, at least in live game action, with 21 carries for just 55 yards and a touchdown. He fared much better last regular season with nine carries for 60 yards.
Velling, on the other hand, was solid, catching six passes on seven targets for 41 yards and a touchdown.
Tough day for a couple of Spartans, but don’t count them out in Atlanta just yet.
Add us as a preferred source on Google