AP

The Falcons are releasing wide receiver Leonard Hankerson from injured reserve, making Hankerson eligible to be claimed by another team on waivers.

That’s quite a fall from early in the season, when the Falcons were winning and Hankerson was playing an important role.

Hankerson was placed on injured reserve in early December after aggravating a hamstring injury. He played in eight games this season, recording 26 receptions for 327 yards and three touchdowns. He had 17 receptions in the first four games.

Hankerson, 26, played the first four seasons of his career with the Redskins. The Falcons releasing him from IR means he has been medically cleared and will go through the NFL’s waiver system. If he’s not claimed, he’ll become a free agent.