'Familiarity' Helping Atlanta Falcons' Kentavius Street Prepare Ahead of Potential Debut

Like his new teammates David Onyemata and Kaden Elliss, prior familiarity with Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen is helping Kentavius Street.

The Atlanta Falcons made just one move before the passing of the NFL's trade deadline, which was the acquisition of defensive tackle Kentavius Street from the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Street's arrival in Atlanta came just hours after the Falcons learned the prognosis of star defensive tackle Grady Jarrett's knee injury that he suffered in the 28-23 loss to the Tennessee Titans. 

With Jarrett out for the season, the Falcons moved quickly to help replenish depth on the interior of the defensive line with Street, who could make his debut as soon as Sunday's game versus the Minnesota Vikings.

"Depending on the plan and obviously getting Kentavius up to speed," Falcons coach Arthur Smith said of Street's potential debut. "He has some familiarity. He’s played for Ryan [Nielsen] before. ... There’s some familiarity with the player and with Kentavius and kind of some of the stuff Ryan is going to ask." 

Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Damien Williams (6) is tackled by New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner (20) and defensive tackle Kentavius Street (91) during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.  / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Street is just the latest player to join the Falcons with a prior history with defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. Over the offseason, the Falcons signed former New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata and linebacker Kaden Elliss in free agency, both of whom Street will be familiar with after the three spent last season together.

Last season for the Saints, Street played in all 17 games, where he totaled 29 tackles, five for a loss, 3.5 sacks, and eight quarterback hits. Additionally, through eight games with the Eagles, Street managed just four tackles before being traded to Atlanta.

Smith will hope to make his debut on Sunday when the Falcons host the Vikings. Kickoff inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set for 1 p.m. EST.