Kenjon

Barner

Bell, per Auman, profiles as the team’s best pass-catching back for Week 18. That could mean Vaughn and Bell will split early-down duties and Bell will take on the third-down role against Carolina. Bell would be the superior PPR option in such a scenario. Neither Tampa back would have much upside if they share backfield responsibilities against the Panthers’ exploitable rush defense. Ronald Jones (ankle) likely won’t play in Week 18.

Journeyman Barner, who is currently sidelined with a concussion, had been returning kicks. It is quite possible he will be released when his suspension is through.

Barner will try to make the team as a return man, something that doesn’t hold a whole lot of value anymore in today’s game. As a running back, Barner would need multiple injuries ahead of him to sniff the field. At the end of the day, Barner is a long shot to make the roster.

Barner appeared in a career-high 14 games with Atlanta last year. The 30-year-old averaged 7.6 yards on punt returns and could be an option on special teams in Baltimore.

Barner is working as the Falcons’ new version of Mohamed Sanu in their Wildcat package. Perhaps this, along with an enhanced pass-game role, could help Barner provide fantasy value down the stretch if Devonta Freeman (foot, ankle) misses game time. Still, Barner figures to work as the No. 2 RB behind Brian Hill if Freeman is ultimately sidelined.

The biggest issue for the Falcons is their offensive line, which won’t have the services of RG Jamon Brown (concussion). Week 1 starter Chris Lindstrom (foot, IR) is also sidelined.

With Barner officially inactive, Brian Hill will take on the former’s usual No. 3 job. Ito Smith, who was fully cleared from the team’s injury report on Friday, will continue backing up Devonta Freeman.

It locks Barner into a roster spot. The Falcons are still expected to keep Brian Hill behind Devonta Freeman and Ito Smith, as Barner’s value is tied to special teams. Barner averaged 24.4 yards on nine kick returns last year.

Barner will supposedly compete for No. 3 duties on offense, but his key to making the 53-man roster will be return work on special teams. Barner carried the ball 19 times across nine games between the Patriots and Panthers last season.

It’s a homecoming for Barner, who opened his career with the Panthers. Barner will push Travaris Cadet for the No. 3 role behind Christian McCaffrey and Cameron Artis-Payne.