The Atlanta Falcons have started to trim their roster ahead of the NFL's 53-man deadline, releasing 13 players on Sunday, including linebacker Donavan Mutin, edge Bradlee Anae and safety Lukas Denis.

Mutin put forth a stellar effort during the team's preseason finale, recording a team-high 18 combined tackles in Friday's blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The former undrafted free agent out of Houston has a good chance to land on the Falcons 16-man practice squad.

Anae, who recorded the team's only sack in Friday's preseason finale, also has a chance to land on the practice squad. The trade for outside linebacker Matthew Judon hurt Anae's chances of making the team.

Similarly, Denis had a shot to make the 53-man roster before Atlanta signed safety Justin Simmons. Richie Grant and DeMarcco Hellams will serve as the two primary backup safeties. Plus, Kevin King may get more time at safety if he makes the team.

Wide receiver Josh Ali, quarterback John Paddock, offensive lineman John Leglue and cornerback William Hooper were among the 13 players released. Keep up with each move using our Falcons roster cut tracker HERE!

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This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons release Bradlee Anae, Donavan Mutin in first wave of cuts