BREAKING: Falcons Cut WR Frank Darby with Injury Designation

Despite having a breakout training camp, an ill-timed injury has, at least for the moment, brought Frank Darby's time with the Atlanta Falcons to an abrupt end.

The Atlanta Falcons are moving on - at least temporarily - from one of their most popular players.

Per release, Atlanta has waived receiver Frank Darby with an injury designation; Falcons coach Arthur Smith said that Darby suffered a soft tissue injury during Friday's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins.

The Falcons also waived receiver Chris Blair, who was placed on injured reserve a week and a half ago.

By letting go of Darby, a sixth-round pick in 2021, Atlanta has lost its first played hand-picked by Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot.

It's unfortunate timing for Darby, who was a clear winner throughout training camp after making several impressive catches. He was also an integral part of the Falcons' receivers room, with both wideout Mack Hollins and coach TJ Yates pointing out that Darby was the primary "juice man" for his teammates.

Throughout his two years in Atlanta, Darby caught two passes for 29 yards across 15 regular season games while expanding his position versatility. Darby was "coming into his own," per Yates, and Smith expressed that he was "very pleased" with the camp the 25-year-old New Jersey native was putting together.

But most of all, the Falcons' staff legitimately enjoyed Darby's presence each day.

“He’s one of the guys people gravitate towards," Smith said. "You like being around guys like that. He’s just full of energy every day and it’s not fake, that’s who Frankie is."

Now, Darby's long-term future with the Falcons is up in the air - he'll revert to injured reserve if he clears waivers, so there's certainly a chance he's back ... but it's far from a certainty.

In the meantime, the Falcons will look to Hollins for energy in the receivers room, while Darby aims to get back on the field and continue the strong run of form he was showing, with the timing only making this outcome more disappointing for both parties.

You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @ByDanielFlick

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