Johnson, Giordano released to make it to 75
Falcons coach Mike Smith after the 16-6 win over Miami. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/Dledbetter@ajc.com)
Update
FLOWERY BRANCH – Defensive tackle Thomas Johnson, who started 10 games last season for the Falcons, was waived injured on Tuesday.
Also, safety Matt Giordano was terminated with an injury settlement in order to reduce the roster to 75 per the NFL rules.
The Falcons, who play at Jacksonville at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, will have to reduce their roster to 53 players by 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Johnson was slowed in training camp by an Achilles injury. He played in 13 games last season and had 27 tackles, two sacks and a force fumble.
Giordano was signed by the Falcons as a free agent on March 16, 2010 after spending the 2009 season with the Green Bay Packers. Giordano was originally selected in the fourth round (135th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts.
Here’s a look at the roster:
Quarterbacks (3)
Locks: Matt Ryan, Chris Redman and John Parker Wilson.
Running backs (5)
Locks: Jerious Norwood, Michael Turner, Ovie Mughelli, Jason Snelling and Dimitri Nance.
Long shots: Dan Klecko and Antone Smith.
Wide receivers (5)
Locks: Michael Jenkins, Roddy White, Harry Douglas, Brian Finneran and Eric Weems.
On the bubble: Troy Bergeron.
Long shots: Andy Strickland, Tim Buckley, Brandyn Harvey and Ryan Wolfe.
Injured reserve: Kerry Meier.
Tight ends (3)
Locks: Justin Peelle, Ketih Zinger and Tony Gonzalez.
Long shots: Michael Palmer and Robbie Agnone.
Offensive line (9)
Locks: Todd McClure, Justin Blalock, Harvey Dahl, Sam Baker, Tyson Clabo, Will Svitek, Garrett Reynolds, Joe Hawley, and Mike Johnson.
On the bubble: Jose Valdez and Brett Romberg.
Long shots: Rob Bruggeman and Blake Schlueter.
Defensive line (9)
Locks: Trey Lewis, John Abraham, Kroy Biermann, Lawrence Sidbury, Corey Peters, Chauncey Davis, Peria Jerry, Jonathan Babineaux, Jamaal Anderson.
On the bubble: Vance Walker.
Long shots: Emmanuel Stephens and Maurice Lucas.
Linebackers (6)
Locks: Curtis Lofton, Mike Peterson, Stephen Nicholas, Sean Weatherspoon, Coy Wire and Spencer Adkins.
Long shots: Robert James, Weston Johnson and Bear Woods.
Defensive backs (8)
Locks: Brent Grimes, Christopher Owens, Dunta Robinson, William Moore, Dominique Franks, Erik Coleman, Shann Schillinger and Thomas DeCoud.
On the bubble: Brian Williams and Chevis Jackson.
Long shots: Rafael Bush, Dominique Daniels and Eric Brock.
Specialists (4)
Locks: Matt Bryant, Michael Koenen and Joe Zelenka.
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111 comments Add your comment
jerry
August 31st, 2010
6:22 pm
I just totally don’t believe in carrying three quarterbacks, which reminds me of the time Bobby Cox kept three catchers for the World Series, one of which was totally useless as a hitter, whose name escapes me.
Paddy O
August 31st, 2010
7:31 pm
folks, way back on draft day i wished for a kicker to be drafted – and many asked why. how many teams have cut bryant? because they knew ATL needed a high quality kicker? He is just average, and not as good as Elam IMHO. We shall see how many games he costs us – as long as he is 100% within the 35, I won’t keep griping – but there is some gnawing doubt.
GHunt
August 31st, 2010
8:35 pm
When the league moves to an 18 game schedule, the owners should expand the roster to 56 players. The field goal kicker, punter and long snapper should not count against the 53 man roster.
Brian Williams and Palmer will make the team, although Brian’s salary and his health are the reasons he may be on the bubble.
I have hope that the team will be improved, but exhibition games played well or poorly doesn’t necesarily give you a true picture of the team.
Where is the rookie free agent kicker signed by the Birds during OTA? Matt Bryant should be on the bubble pending roster cut downs this weekend. Can we find a reliable fg kicker?
Stevie B
August 31st, 2010
10:41 pm
I wonder if we still have Morten Anderson’s number on speed dial? From 35 yards and EP’s he is dependable and proven. He is like the Ford Trucks of the day. He may be old, rusty, a flat tire, and squeaky doors, but when the key is turned, he fires off and gets the job done!. I would say sign him for the short kicks and let Bryant be a wild card on the long ones.
Mike
September 1st, 2010
8:31 am
DOL Sorry, but this has been bugging me. You have Specialists listed has having 4 slots, but I only count 3; Bryant, Koenen & Zelenka. I’m assuming the 4th spot should be for the KR (presumably Weems) but that player is being counted in the WRs, or DB, whereever. Please fix this.
Pat Swilling
September 1st, 2010
8:40 am
Relax folks! Since we arm-chair quarterbacks have no control over the roster, we have nothing to piss and moan about. We will have an impressive team this year…better than most others. As a long time and often frustrated Falcons fan, it’s just good to know that we may very well be strong playoff contenders this year. I for one am very excited. Go Falcons!
Doves
September 1st, 2010
10:15 am
I would not be surprised if a receiver not on this list makes our roster after cuts. With Jenkins being hurt and honestly not a number 2 anyway, its time to bring in someone to help Roddy or else we will all be moaning about every pass play we call being 6-8 yards to Tony G and no down field threat. I am a big fan of Finn, but he knows as much as we do that he is no number 2. He is depth, not a guy to threaten defenses. Douglas looks good so far, but if he has any trouble with the knee, look for Roddy to be double teamed all day long. What a disappointment Meier got hurt.
buckhead benny
September 1st, 2010
11:37 am
You keep putting down that there are 4 specialists in your blog- There are only 3- The punter, the kicker, and the LS- Long snapper- You need to put an extra player on the dbs, od dl in my opinion. How do you not know this?
JMANN612
September 1st, 2010
4:25 pm
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Dilla
September 1st, 2010
6:16 pm
The Falcons should cut Chevis Jackson. He’s worst than chris houston. And should pick up a wide receiver. Matt Ryan can stop being so predictable, every pass goes to Tony or Roddy.
Jeff
September 1st, 2010
10:06 pm
I’m keeping my eye on the defensive positions… I wish there was some way the Falcons could keep Vance Walker, Bear Woods, Chevis Jackson and Brian Williams… that is the ONLY benefit of the proposed 18-game schedule, an expanded roster… the NFLPA had BETTER push for that and make it a GUARANTEE… and not just 1 or 2 spots, I want to see 62-man rosters. That way each team could keep a few extra DBs, OLs, LBs and WRs… the positions that are always hit hard by injuries.