Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons' list of inactives for Week 7 at Dallas includes DB William Moore, RB Ovie Mughelli, DB Antoine Harris, DL Vance Walker and QB John Parker Wilson.

Atlanta DL Corey Peters picked up a fumble by Blaine Gabbert and took it to the end zone untouched in the third quarter on Thursday. He was credited with two tackles, despite leaving the game briefly with a knee injury. The Falcons would win the game, 41-14.

The Falcons added Troy linebacker Jonathan Massaquoi, Mississippi State safety Charles Mitchell and South Carolina defensive tackle Travian Robertson with late picks in the NFL Draft. Massaquoi is considered a raw prospect who has some speed in his game, Mitchell might eventually be a good gunner on special teams and Robertson is a big body who could develop into a role player for the team.

TE Michael Palmer and RB Antone Smith signed exclusive rights contracts with Atlanta on Tuesday. Palmer had 10 receptions last season and caught one touchdown pass. Smith played exclusively on special teams.

The Falcons added Troy linebacker Jonathan Massaquoi, Mississippi State safety Charles Mitchell and South Carolina defensive tackle Travian Robertson with late picks in the NFL Draft. Massaquoi is considered a raw prospect who has some speed in his game, Mitchell might eventually be a good gunner on special teams and Robertson is a big body who could develop into a role player for the team.

Falcons DB William Moore, who missed four straight games with a thigh injury, recorded an interception in his first game back Week 14 at Carolina. He also had three tackles, including two solo.

Kerry Meier was the last player off the practice field at the Atlanta Falcons' training camp on Sunday morning. The receiver kept running goal-line routes and catching soft lob passes over his shoulder while his teammates were signing autographs or headed to the locker room. Meier says he's determined to make up for lost time after missing his 2010 rookie season with a knee injury. "You can never catch enough balls," he said. "In a day's practice, I try to maximize the number of catches I get in. It can definitely pay off in the long run." Meier, a fifth-round pick from Kansas in 2010, impressed coaches in training camp last year before hurting his right knee in a preseason game against New England. He missed the season following surgery but has participated in every practice in camp. "I've been really surprised that he hasn't had to miss any time in practice," coach Mike Smith said. "He did a great job in his rehabilitation. ... For him to be able to come out here and not miss a snap so far in training camp, I think that says a lot about his work ethic in the offseason."

The Falcons have agreed to terms with former Pro Bowl linebacker Lofa Tatupu. Tatupu was a second-round pick by Seattle in 2005 and spent six seasons with the Seahawks. He was named to the NFC Pro Bowl team three straight years from 2005-07 and has started all 84 games he's played in his career. The 29-year-old was released last summer by Seattle after failing to reach agreement on a restructured deal. He didn't play in 2011 as he recovered from a knee injury.

The Atlanta Falcons got off to a low-key start in free agency, agreeing to terms with third receiver Harry Douglas. Douglas works in three-receiver sets with Roddy White and Julio Jones. Douglas is coming off a career-best season: 39 receptions for 498 yards and one touchdown.

Atlanta DL Ray Edwards, who has been dealing with a neck issue, was credited with half a sack on Thursday night against Jacksonville. Edwards teamed with John Abraham for a sack on Blaine Gabbert in the Falcons' 41-14 win. He finished with one tackle.

After being named to NFL Network's Top 100 list -- albeit not as high as he'd like -- Falcons receiver Roddy White told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that his league-leading 15 drops are to blame for not being considered an elite receiver. "I led the league in drops, which is unacceptable," White said. "I have to go out there and I have to play better, I have to hold onto the ball. But other than that, I feel like I performed well, I felt like I did pretty well this season. I felt that I should have been at least in the top five [wide receivers]; right now I'm fighting to be in the top 10. I'm kind of confused right now." White also said that the addition of Julio Jones helped his numbers last year and should again in 2012. "He's done wonders for me," White said. "I get a lot more one-on-one coverages and things like that. And I'm mad that Julio isn't on the list!"

The Falcons added Troy linebacker Jonathan Massaquoi, Mississippi State safety Charles Mitchell and South Carolina defensive tackle Travian Robertson with late picks in the NFL Draft. Massaquoi is considered a raw prospect who has some speed in his game, Mitchell might eventually be a good gunner on special teams and Robertson is a big body who could develop into a role player for the team.

The Falcons on Saturday waived S Rafael Bush, WR Kevin Cone, WR Drew Davis, LB Robert James, DE Emmanuel Stephens, and QB John Parker Wilson on the way to getting to the final 53 players the league allows. The team also reached an injury settlement with TE Ryan Winterswyk.

The Falcons stayed close to home by selecting Georgia linebacker Akeem Dent in the third round of the NFL draft and selecting DE Cliff Matthews of South Carolina in Round 7. Dent (6-1, 233) led Georgia with 126 tackles and had 2 1/2 sacks as a senior. Matthews (6-3, 268) had 38 tackles and 4.5 sacks last season.

Falcons DL Jonathan Babineaux, who missed three games earlier this season with a partially torn MCL, recorded his first sack Week 9 at Indianapolis. He also had two tackles, both solo.

The Falcons have re-signed safety Thomas DeCoud. He had 86 total tackles last year with four interceptions.

Notable players cut by the Packers on Saturday include: WR Diondre Borel, S Anthony Bratton, NT Chris Donaldson, LB Ricky Elmore, CB Josh Gordy, WR Tori Gurley, QB Graham Harrell, FB Jon Hoese, LB Cardia Jackson, DE Eli Joseph, LB Elijah Joseph, S Anthony Levine, RB Dimitri Nance, CB Brandian Ross, NT Jay Ross, RB Brandon Saine, WR Kerry Taylor, S/CB Brandon Underwood and WR Chastin West.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Thursday that the Falcons signed TE Tommy Gallarda to the practice squad.

The Falcons released fullback Ovie Mughelli on Tuesday, according to a team source. Mughelli, who was slated to make $3 million, was placed on injured reserve last season after a knee injury and the team drafted fullback Bradie Ewing in the fifth round of last month's draft. Ewing and Mike Cox will battle for the starting fullback position.

Falcons WR Eric Weems, RB Aaron Stecker, TE Joe Zelenka, TE Justin Peelle and QB Chris Redman all dressed for a Week 15 win over the Jets but failed to record an offensive stat.

Tony Gonzalez said during a chat on ESPN that he intends to make 2012 his final season. But even he knows that promise might not easily be kept. "I said that last year though, and the year before. But I really do believe this is it. First of all, this is the first time my wife came to me and said, 'You’re only going to play one more year, right?'"

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Eagles have traded cornerback Asante Samuel to the Falcons for a seventh-round pick Wednesday. Samuel then agreed to restructure his contract for three years, $18.5 million.

The Falcons on Saturday waived S Rafael Bush, WR Kevin Cone, WR Drew Davis, LB Robert James, DE Emmanuel Stephens, and QB John Parker Wilson on the way to getting to the final 53 players the league allows. The team also reached an injury settlement with TE Ryan Winterswyk.

The Falcons released three veterans — defensive end Chauncey Davis, linebacker Coy Wire and defensive tackle Trey Lewis — and 14 other players on Friday. The team made the cuts in order to get closer to the 53-man roster limit. The team also waived tight end Marquez Branson, fullback Lucas Cox, center Paul Fenaroli, safety Matt Hansen, wide receiver Brandyn Harvey, running back Gartrell Johnson, defensive end Tom McCarthy, cornerback Kamaal McIlwain, center Ryan McMahon, safety Rafael Priest, defensive end Kiante Tripp, safety Suaesi Tuimaunei and linebacker Bear Woods. The Falcons also reached an injury settlement with wide receiver Andy Strickland.

Defensive end Kroy Biermann re-signed with Atlanta on Wednesday. Biermann had 2.5 sacks last year playing in a three-man rotation at defensive end. His snaps could increase in 2012 if John Abraham doesn't re-sign. Financial terms weren't available on Biermann's new contract, but the length is three years.

The Falcons listed the following players as inactive for Week 13 against Philadelphia: RB Michael Turner, WR Michael Jenkins, QB Matt Ryan, DB Charlie Peprah, LB Spencer Adkins and DL Trey Lewis.

TE Michael Palmer and RB Antone Smith signed exclusive rights contracts with Atlanta on Tuesday. Palmer had 10 receptions last season and caught one touchdown pass. Smith played exclusively on special teams.

Falcons DB Dunta Robinson looked lost in coverage at times on Monday night in the Week 16 loss at New Orleans. That said, Robinson came up with an interception of quarterback Drew Brees in the second half. Robinson finished the game with four tackles and the pick.

Atlanta RB Jacquizz Rodgers recorded eight carries for 24 yards and a touchdown during the Falcons' 45-24 victory over Tampa Bay in Week 17. Rodgers reached the end zone on a 1-yard run during the first quarter for the rookie's first career rushing touchdown.

Atlanta added WR Kevin Cone and LB Robert James to the active roster on Wednesday after placing LB Mike Peterson (arm) and DB Kelvin Hayden on injured reserve.

Falcons DB Chris Owens recorded a sack Week 12 against the Vikings. It was not only his first of the season, but also of his career. He finished with four tackles, including three solo.

The Falcons signed fifth-round draft pick CB Dominique Franks Tuesday, ensuring his spot on the roster heading into training camp. He's expected to battle for either the nickel or dimeback spot on the defense as well as play special teams.

Falcons DL Lawrence Sidbury, who entered the game with two sacks all season, doubled his total Week 12 against the Vikings. The two sacks were his only two tackles in the contest.

The Falcons released fullback Ovie Mughelli on Tuesday, according to a team source. Mughelli, who was slated to make $3 million, was placed on injured reserve last season after a knee injury and the team drafted fullback Bradie Ewing in the fifth round of last month's draft. Ewing and Mike Cox will battle for the starting fullback position.

Atlanta LB Sean Weatherspoon made just two solo tackles in Week 15 against Jacksonville. He now has 107 tackles on the year.

Atlanta added WR Kevin Cone and LB Robert James to the active roster on Wednesday after placing LB Mike Peterson (arm) and DB Kelvin Hayden on injured reserve.

The Falcons waived DL Carlton Powell on Friday.

The Falcons released three veterans — defensive end Chauncey Davis, linebacker Coy Wire and defensive tackle Trey Lewis — and 14 other players on Friday. The team made the cuts in order to get closer to the 53-man roster limit. The team also waived tight end Marquez Branson, fullback Lucas Cox, center Paul Fenaroli, safety Matt Hansen, wide receiver Brandyn Harvey, running back Gartrell Johnson, defensive end Tom McCarthy, cornerback Kamaal McIlwain, center Ryan McMahon, safety Rafael Priest, defensive end Kiante Tripp, safety Suaesi Tuimaunei and linebacker Bear Woods. The Falcons also reached an injury settlement with wide receiver Andy Strickland.

Atlanta LB Stephen Nicholas suffered a knee injury in Week 15 versus Jacksonville. He did not record a tackle in the contest.

The Jaguars on Monday signed second-year DB Robert McClain to the active roster.

Falcons coach Mike Smith told the official team website that the addition of Dirk Koetter as the offensive coordinator means that a new playbook is coming. It will be the first change in the offense in four years, but it doesn't mean it's for the worse, says Smith. "Dirk has a great reputation throughout the NFL and throughout the football world in terms of his vertical passing game, which I think will be a big plus for our quarterback and our wide receivers," Smith said. "We're looking forward to start working on the offensive schemes that we will be implementing next year. They'll be a little different than what we've done in the first four years, but we're excited. I know Matt had a very good meeting with Dirk, and the staff has already (started) working on putting the new playbook together."

Atlanta WR Julio Jones was held in check as he could not help lead his team to victory in Sunday's NFC Wild Card playoff loss at New York. The Giants got the better of the Falcons on Sunday and Atlanta couldn't muster more than two points scored on an early safety. Jones led the Falcons in receiving in the game, but finished with just seven catches for 64 yards from QB Matt Ryan. Jones had a long grab of 20 yards and was targeted eight times. He did not score in the game and added one rushing attempt for 13 yards as the Falcons' season came to an end.

Cornerback Brent Grimes signed his franchise tender on Tuesday, the team announced. Grimes will make $10.262 million in 2012 and can still work with the Falcons to structure a long-term deal.

Atlanta K Matt Bryant simply was not needed on Sunday in the NFC Wild Card game loss at New York against the Giants. The Falcons dropped the game and were eliminated from the playoffs 24-2 on Sunday. Bryant never came out onto the field for a field goal or extra point attempt. He finished with zero points in the game. Bryant's season is now officially over.

Falcons head coach Mike Smith told the media at the NFL Combine on Saturday that he intends to keep running back Michael Turner as his featured back in 2012, but that the time has come to start keeping an eye on just how much work he gets from week to week. "We want to keep him as our feature back, but we need to make sure we give some of the other guys carries as well," Smith said. "I think the thing we have to do as Michael gets a little older is to start putting him on a pitch count in terms of the numbers of carries."

The Falcons stayed close to home by selecting Georgia linebacker Akeem Dent in the third round of the NFL draft and selecting DE Cliff Matthews of South Carolina in Round 7. Dent (6-1, 233) led Georgia with 126 tackles and had 2 1/2 sacks as a senior. Matthews (6-3, 268) had 38 tackles and 4.5 sacks last season.

The Falcons promoted QB John Parker Wilson from the practice squad to the active roster on Friday.

Peria Jerry won't go so far as to say he's the missing link to an improved interior pass rush in Atlanta this year. Yet, as a former No. 24 overall draft pick, Jerry believes he hasn't come to close to maximizing his NFL potential. If Jerry does so this season, the Falcons' defense would likely solve its primary concern of training camp -- improve its pass rush or suffer another disappointing finish. "I set my goals real high and I'm going to try and achieve them," Jerry said Monday. "For the most part, I'm going to keep doing my job within the scheme, keep working and see what happens."

The Atlanta Falcons got off to a low-key start in free agency, agreeing to terms on new deals with backup quarterback Chris Redman. Redman has been Matt Ryan's backup the past four years. Last season, the second-stringer appeared in five games, completing 18 of 28 passes for 188 yards.

The Atlanta Falcons re-signed defensive end John Abraham on Friday. The Falcons brought the free agent back on a three-year deal, according to ESPN. Abraham, 33, had 9.5 sacks and four forced fumbles for Atlanta last year and 13 sacks the previous season. In six years with the Falcons and six with the New York Jets, Abraham has 112 sacks.

Falcons DB Shann Schillinger suffered an ankle injury in Week 16 against the Saints and did not return to the game. He did not record a single tackle in the 17-14 loss.