Falcons Will Cut WR Leonard Hankerson

The Atlanta Falcons will waive WR Leonard Hankerson Tuesday. Hankerson was on injured reserve for the Falcons, and any team will be able to claim him on waivers. The Falcons cutting Hankerson from IR means that Hankerson has been medically cleared to play. 

Hankerson had a been a surprise for the Falcons this season, but injuries derailed what was shaping up to be a solid season. Hamstring injuries ultimately cost Hankerson his season when the team placed him on IR. 

The 26-year old had taken the No. 2 WR role away from Roddy White this season, before Hankerson was hurt. In eight games, Hankerson was targeted 45 times, catching 26 of those passes for 327 yards and 3 scores. Had Hankerson not been injured, he would have set career numbers in all categories this season.

Hankerson played against the Colts Nov. 22nd, catching a pass for the first time in over a month. Drops also plagued Hankerson, who had eight in limited time. 

Hankerson signed a 1-year, $1 million contract before this season. The news was first reported by Pro Football Talk.