Falcons special teams coach praises punt returner Dee Alford

The Atlanta Falcons lost their starting punt returner back in OTAs when Avery Williams suffered a season-ending ACL tear. Without an obvious replacement on the roster, the team held an open competition throughout training camp.

Ultimately, defensive back Dee Alford won the gig following a strong preseason. Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams praised Alford for earning the job on Thursday.

“He has put in the work, and we trust him back there,” Williams told reporters. “When you carry the ball, you carry the fate of our organization in your hands.”

Falcons ST coordinator Marquice Williams on Dee Alford returning punts: “He has put in the work, and we trust him back there. When you carry the ball, you carry the fate of our organization in your hands.”

— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) September 7, 2023

The undrafted free agent had a 79-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Dolphins. Alford was also listed as the team’s starting nickel cornerback on Atlanta’s Week 1 depth chart.

Falcons running back/Joker Cordarrelle Patterson will handle the team’s kick return duties. Atlanta opens the season on Sunday against the visiting Carolina Panthers.