The Atlanta Falcons obviously weren't willing to wait for an NFL ruling on defensive tackle Ra'Shede Hageman following last year's arrest on domestic violence-related charges.
The team cut ties with the former second-round draft pick Monday with the league's investigation into the matter still pending. Owner Arthur Blank has a low tolerance for such off-the-field issues, which no doubt weighed heavily in the organization's final decision.
So what does losing Hageman mean from a football perspective as the Falcons prepare for Sunday's season opener at Chicago?