After an intense few weeks of training camp, the Atlanta Falcons revealed their first 53-man roster for the 2024 NFL season at Tuesday's cut deadline. There were a few surprises but nothing earth-shattering about the team's initial roster. The Falcons kept three quarterbacks, including veteran Taylor Heinicke, five wide receivers and eight defensive linemen.

A few training camp favorites were released, including wide receiver Chris Blair, defensive back Kevin King and cornerback Natrone Brooks. Here are five key takeaways from Atlanta's initial 53-man roster:

1. QB Taylor Heinicke survives cut day

The Falcons have veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins under contract for four years and used a first-round pick to draft Michael Penix Jr. These additions left many around the league wondering about the future of Taylor Heinicke. Atlanta's third-string QB took a pay cut to remain with the team over the offseason. However, established veteran quarterbacks are always in demand and many speculated the Falcons could trade Heinicke. While that's still a possibility, the Atlanta native is sticking around for now.

2. Falcons cut Chris Blair, keep 5 wide receivers

Blair is one of the most surprising cuts due to the team's lack of depth at the wide receiver position. The Falcons only kept five receivers and went with rookie Casey Washington over Blair for that final spot. Blair, a former XFL standout, led the team with eight catches for 154 receiving yards (19.3 yards per reception) in three preseason games. Don't be surprused to see Blair land on the Falcons' 16-man practice squad.

3. 7 out of 8 rookies make the team

The Atlanta Falcons added eight players in this year's draft class and seven of them made the team. Sixth-round pick Zion Logue, a defensive tackle out of Georgia, was the lone member of the class released by the Falcons on Tuesday. Logue was one of three players selected in the sixth round but the team's depth at defensive tackle was too much for the rookie to overcome. The former Bulldog is a prime practice squad candidate.

4. Falcons cut Natrone Brooks, Kevin King

Atlanta only kept five cornerbacks, leaving no room for Natrone Brooks or Kevin King. Brooks, an undrafted free agent who signed with the team in 2023, had 20 tackles (15 solo) and a forced fumble during an impressive preseason run. King started the preseason strong with an interception against the Dolphins but didn't do enough to make the team. The Falcons tried him at safety in the preseason finale and the results were rough. Both Brooks and King could wind up on the team's practice squad.

5. DeMarcco Hellams placed on IR (designated to return)

Hellams was injured a few weeks ago during Atlanta's preseason opener. Despite suffering an ankle injury, he remained on the active roster for the rest of camp. The Falcons placed Hellams on the injured reserve list with a return designation. This requires Hellams to miss the first four games but he can return in Week 5. The team added Justin Simmons in free agency, however, Hellams showed promise as a rookie and can serve as the No. 3 safety upon returning.

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This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Five takeaways from the Falcons' initial 53-man roster