Last week, we pointed out that the Hawks were playing Crazy 8s with their receivers and offensive linemen — going heavy with the former and light with the latter.

Well, they apparently have fixed that imbalance by replacing receiver Phil Bates with offensive lineman Andrew McDonald, who was released by Carolina in final cuts.

The signing was reported by his agent and, if McDonald is on the 53-man roster, means the Hawks now have nine linemen — the number they should have.

When Bates was released, it was assumed they would replace him with a cornerback — given lengthy injuries to Jeremy Lane (groin) and Tharold Simon (knee surgery).

It appears the Hawks still are on the lookout for corners, with undrafted rookie Keith Lewis among those apparently trying out. He was released by Tampa Bay in final cuts.

Now that the first week of the season is in the books, teams can sign vested veterans without those contracts being guaranteed for the season, so the Hawks could look at that market as well.

Among the veterans available are Chris Houston (29), Dunta Robinson (32), Champ Bailey (36), Asante Samuel (33) and Jabari Greer (32, coming off ACL).

The Hawks also could go back to players who were in camp: Akeem Auguste or Terrell Thomas. Chandler Fenner, who spent time on the practice squad last season, was released by the New York Giants in final cuts.