Injured knee puts Falcons’ Mughelli out for season

The Falcons will place Ovie Mughelli on injured reserve, ending the fullback’s season.

Mughelli injured his right knee during Sunday’s victory in Detroit. Lions safety Louis Delmas hit Mughelli’s knee during a tackle in the fourth quarter following a 4-yard reception.

Mughelli did not return after the injury and was on crutches following the game.

The Falcons signed Mike Cox on Tuesday to replace Mughelli. Cox, who played at Georgia Tech, signed as an undrafted free agent with the Chiefs in 2008. A 6-foot-2, 252-pounder, he played in Kansas City for three seasons. He is the brother of Lucas Cox, also of Georgia Tech, who was in training camp with the Falcons this year.

Mughelli, who made the Pro Bowl last season, had four receptions for 25 yards and two touchdowns this season. He had two carries for one yard. He has cleared the way for much of running back Michael Turner’s 621 yards this season. Mughelli injured his right knee in the season opener against the Bears, missing only practice time.

The Falcons also worked out Mike Karney, Jason McKiee, Lousaka Polite, former Georgia fullback Verron Haynes and Demitri Nance on Tuesday.

- Chris Vivlamore

160 comments Add your comment

drmaryb .(*_*).

October 25th, 2011
10:26 pm

Copy – Paste – Forwarded!

“drmaryb .(*_*). October 25th, 2011
6:57 pm
OVIE BABY!!!!!

Get well soon, BEEFCAKE!!!
Ladies, hold me down, because I’m about to EXPLODE!!!”
- The Troll -
________________

Again, my user I’d has been jacked with such filth and non-football related comments. I’m sure the owner of the AJC

(Ray Cox, Jr) will enjoy reading his blog in the morning with a cup of coffee.

Firsttimer

October 25th, 2011
10:27 pm

SeenThisB4-I am glad to know that you would not stoop so low. I really despise Sean Peyton as a coach, but was sorry to see him injured.
Hiramsaint-I do believe I saw your sorry Aints sitting at home in Jan. after losing to the lowly SeaHawks. How sorry is that?

Brick Head O Reilly

October 25th, 2011
10:46 pm

Coach Smith is the ONLY Falcons coach to have back to back winning seasons. He will lead this team into the playoffs again imo.

Steve-O

October 25th, 2011
10:47 pm

I’ll actually give SeenThisB4 some respect here. Thank you for the post and the somewhat mutual respect. If only hiramsaint could learn some common decency instead of resorting to his typical juvenile crap. See you in two weeks, Seen.

Brick Head O Reilly

October 25th, 2011
10:55 pm

As a marketing ploy, the Falcons PR and Stadium announcers should address running back Michael Turner as “Freight Train” Turner and every time he scores, sound off a loud Train like horn through out the stadium. and announce “Freight Train” Turner is in the station or somethin to that effect………………Kick it up a notch………..make it fun for the fans.

Stumpknocker

October 25th, 2011
10:58 pm

@ “hiramain’t”…. better enjoy your free agent QB (Doo Bees). Your lowly org has never drafted or developed a good QB in it’s entire history. The window for (Doo Bees) will be closing soon…….then it will be back to “who dat wit de sack on day head”

hiramsaint

October 25th, 2011
11:03 pm

looking at the latest qb stats , i must disagree. it’s ok to be jealous , just don’t be bitter!

Rikus

October 25th, 2011
11:51 pm

Feel better soon, Ovie. We’ll miss you!

CGD..slim4jr@hotmail/com

October 26th, 2011
12:57 am

63.1 QBR, 8 int’s in 7 Games = Playoff dismantle coming AGAIN………………………………..

Ryan watching the film tonight showed why you have problems with accuracy. Instead of throwing ropes you are trying to put touch and air up under it..If your throws were measured with a radar gun, I would surmise that your velocity is about 2/3 the average of NFL QB. Big Ben was measured on the sports science program @ 60 mph! Your MPH looks more like 45-50!…VELOCITY IS KILLING YOUR ACCURACY DUDE…Got to plant and use your legs more to increase the velocity…

MORE BS for ya Fake FF…..

Gunnerr

October 26th, 2011
4:37 am

I’ll be willing to bet Mr, T has this covered.

Calvin G. Sims, Sr.

October 26th, 2011
5:24 am

Get well soon. Thanks for the memories.

Go Falcons

Columbus

October 26th, 2011
5:35 am

Herschel…

Big blow, Ovie hang in there brother. Stay strong!

Tj Duckett

[...] A few that I like… – To mark the 10th anniversary of its passage, the ACLU has put out this infographic on the PATRIOT Act. – The Walking Dead has been renewed for a third season. – Bad news for the Falcons, Ovie Mughelli is out for the rest of the year. [...]

Jason

October 26th, 2011
7:33 am

That tackle was a cheap shot and was intended to go for the knees. How can that Lions player not be fined like so many helmet to helmet infractions?

The Real Falcon

October 26th, 2011
8:19 am

Did not see a mention from DOL but Mike Johnson
is out for the season as well.
That hurts depth on the OL. behind Reynolds who is ailing.

atlnative

October 26th, 2011
8:21 am

Ovie,We (Falcon Fans) are going to miss you blocking for Michael T.You are the heart and soul of the Atlanta Falcons,and a major reason for the team’s recent success.Get better soon,and we will see you next season.

Miss Gruntled

October 26th, 2011
8:29 am

Detroit Lions were the dirtiest team the Falcons have played this year. They went for his knee and got it.

D man

October 26th, 2011
8:39 am

Get well Ovie. See you next season…

Stepchild

October 26th, 2011
8:50 am

It’s hard to call Detroit the dirtiest team……The Falcons have been fined as much as any team for illegal hits….

Mike is Back

October 26th, 2011
9:10 am

DLed, it didn’t look good when they showed the replay when OVIE got injured…OVIE will be sorely missed…I hope he continues to be an inspiration to the team during his recovery…he was a great mentor for the young guys. I wish him much success with his rehabilitation.

I think bring Cox back, was a good move. I like what I seen out of him at GT.

RISE UP BIRDS…LET’S GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#10Fan4Life

October 26th, 2011
9:12 am

Hope to see you next year No 34! You are a great leader and will be missed! Mr Cox let’s roll!

Justin Griffin

October 26th, 2011
9:41 am

Hey you could have called me I still can play and I gave you 5 of my best years with Mora, Jr.

JG

Samuel

October 26th, 2011
9:48 am

With a lot of hard work I suspect Ovie will be back. By the way is Cox a gamer? If he can block and catch passes out the back field all is well.

PMC

October 26th, 2011
10:24 am

Hiram, the only dirtish player on the team that is legit is Dunta Robinson, much like Delmas who is guilty here neither one was actually trying to injure anyone, they just have remarkably awful technique.

Robinson is a Cornerback, the last thing I want to know about him is that he’s a big hitter (and or can’t wrap up)

Delmas is supposed to be a big hitter and a decent safety, instead he made that tackle as if he were Asante Samuel.

He wasn’t trying to Hurt Ovie, he just has horrible technique. It’s not because he hasn’t been taught, he’s just not very smart. One of these days one of those idiots is going to go head first, break thier neck and freaking die. Then maybe the NFL will do something about awful technique.

WHODAT7556

October 26th, 2011
11:05 am

You know what really grinds Heath Evans‘ gears? Whining! And the “sissification” of football.

The Falcons’ claims that the Lions’ Ndamukong Suh and Cliff Avril crossed the line in taunting Atlanta QB Matt Ryan while injured and grounded is an infraction on both counts. And on Tuesday’s edition of “Around the League,” Evans, who played fullback for 10 years in the NFL, let it be known exactly how he feels about the war of words between the teams.

“Who cares? This is the NFL,” Evans said. “It’s supposed to be dirty and nasty and aggressive. And it’s really supposed to be like Vegas on that football field. What happens in between those white lines stays in those white lines.

“Listen, my mom has been called names, my sister, my dog, anybody’s been called names on that field. Our league has become so ‘sissified’ and so weak at times, it really makes me disgusted.”

Basically, if there’s no crying in baseball, you’d better believe Evans won’t stand for whining in football. Which means the Falcons currently are on Evans’ list.

“As soon as I start to praise the Falcons for getting a good win on the road versus a tough team … they come out after the game and whine about this stuff,” said Evans, who spent his final two seasons with the NFC South rival Saints. “Matt Ryan was fine. Words are exchanged all the time on the football field. Why are you whining about this? You just got a huge win for a struggling football team … I don’t get it. I can’t stand the Falcons.”

NUFFSAID!!!!!!!!! Falcons and the fans are a bunch of whinny babies!

@Firsttimer

October 25th, 2011
10:27 pm
SeenThisB4-I am glad to know that you would not stoop so low. I really despise Sean Peyton as a coach, but was sorry to see him injured.
Hiramsaint-I do believe I saw your sorry Aints sitting at home in Jan. after losing to the lowly SeaHawks. How sorry is that?

~It didnt bother me much because we made it to the playoffs when everyone else said we wouldn’t! Now answer this question for me…How many playoff wins does the Falcons have? Has the Falcons ever really won a game that mattered? Does the falcons have a superbowl ring?

LMFAO!

WHODAT7556

October 26th, 2011
11:08 am

Oh and yea @ Firsttimer.

I BELIEVE I SAW YOUR FALCANTS SITTING AT HOME THAT VERY SAME MONTH (JANUARY RIGHT?LOL) AFTER LOSING TO THE PACKERS AT HOME!!! IN THE GA DOME! REALLY….

oh yea..Didn’t they (the pack) WIN AGAIN in the GA dome a year later!!!!!..LOL

I would shut up if i were you!

PMC

October 26th, 2011
11:14 am

Let Drew Brees get hurt for the season and see what you freaking jerks say then.

That team is complete garbage without Drew Brees.

Brick Head O Reilly

October 26th, 2011
11:15 am

Freight Train Turner wont be the same with out Ovie

Dwayne

October 26th, 2011
11:16 am

Chris MaCarthy is available. He blocked for Herchel

Dan E

October 26th, 2011
11:17 am

Anyone who saw the hit can’t be suprised that Ovie’s season is over. It was a direct shot to the side of the knee on a leg that was planted. Unfortunately, when you are built like Ovie is, players are afraid to take you on straight up. They go after your knees and if the leg is planted……it’s goodbye season. The reason Delmas felt bad about it was because he knew it was a cheap-shot tackle.

PMC

October 26th, 2011
11:18 am

Corey Williams forearm to Matt Ryan’s head, should have been an ejection.

That was dirty. I could care less about what was said in a game at anytime…defensive linemen are never the smartest people in any room. They are paid to be thugs. Suh, for all the credit people have given him and all his talking…. he didn’t make one play in that game I remember.

FALCON YEAH!

October 26th, 2011
11:40 am

Talmadge

October 26th, 2011
11:54 am

He will be missed, now maybe the offisive line will respond and help the total team efforts to win football games?

KennyD

October 26th, 2011
12:31 pm

yes the Falcons did resigned resigned Snelling this off-season, now when are we going to use him.
I’m wondering why Rogers don’t get many touches in the Games.
I’m wondering why Douglas and White don’t get many passes.
I’m wondering where do Mike Mularkey get some of this play calling.
I’m wondering why Mayy Ryan hold the ball so long.
It’s great to have Grimes in the Secondary (if not it would be worst)
Peria Jerry all I can say about this guy is BUST (A BIG BUST)

Go Falcons

Terrell

October 26th, 2011
12:43 pm

PMC, You played football before right? When you are guy delmas size going against our FB they teach you to go below the waist. Typically they say aim for the thighs, but when you’re going full speed at a moving object it’s not that simple. People here talk about technique but then those same ones will get mad if the opposing team scores. Remember the int that James Sanders caused against the Seahawks? That wasn’t great technique, it was a big hit! He didn’t wrap up or anything. If he did it would’ve taken the thump away from the hit and the guy probably catches the pass for a TD. How can you say somebody isn’t very smart? What qualifications do you have to talk about someone’s intelligence. Next you’re going to suggest that we play 2 hand touch or flag football. When you are going full speed to make a play you’re doing what you can to get the ball carrier down.

fan

October 26th, 2011
12:44 pm

Give Ironhead Heyward a call. Big and a good blocker.

CGD..

October 26th, 2011
1:04 pm

IronHead Heyward has passed on! RIP Dude…

C’mon fan? ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Bird Dawg Country

October 26th, 2011
1:13 pm

Ouch….time to put one of our 50 tight ends in as a fullback now….or was that dan reeves teams that carried 50 tightends every year? hehehe

William Andrews

October 26th, 2011
1:33 pm

I’m ready!

Bird Dawg Country

October 26th, 2011
1:36 pm

“The Fridge” is a solid 500 pounds now, call him up to make the holes MT

Linkin Pro

October 26th, 2011
3:46 pm

All the folks that are asking about Heath Evans, obviously dont watch NFL Network. That guy is the biggest freaking ahole and he absolutely hates the Falcons (i guess from playin in N’Awlins). That guy bashes the team every chance he gets, so he would already start off with bad vibes in the locker room. Im sure the Birds will use some hybrid players to fill in, similar to when Bob Christian went down the superbowl year, they plugged in B Kozlowski, a back up tight end and he did just fine blocking for JAM32!

PreyDawg

October 26th, 2011
3:47 pm

Reposting from yesterday because I think it is worthwhile:

D-Led, There is a download you can get on NFL.com. I think it is called “Playbook”. A buddy of mine downloaded it and took a long time looking at it. I would love to see you ask Coach Smith about some of the tendancies next week. I don’t mean this in a “gotcha” sort of a way. But if an arm chair fan can run these stats then I bet the opposing teams coaches do it much better. Here are the “ruts” we are in:

My numbers are not exact because I don’t have the stats in front of me but I am within 5% here.

Okay, on first down, when we are in a two back set, we run like 85% of the time. What is more, we run to the right most of those times. Close to 75% we run to the right. Our runs on first down are for 2,2,2,4,2,-2,-2,4,-1,2 yards per carry. So we only have two succesful runs from that formation. That CONSTANTLY puts us in 2nd and Long.

The next thing, many of us fans want to see Jacquizz get more carries from the 3rd down spread formation. We have only run out of that formation twice. Other teams do a draw out of that all the time. Heck Georgia does it way too often. As productive as Jacquizz has been I think he could really make some plays for us on 1st and 2nd down. I am not saying sit Turner. I am just saying mix it up a bit more.

Everybody in the stadium knows we are going to run to the right for little or no gain. That is if we are in a two back set of first down.

Everybody in the stadium knows that when we go to a spread formation with Jacquizz that we are going to pass. We do it almost every time.

This has to be a rut that other staff’s have caught up on.

Lastly, FOR CRIPES SAKES RUN MORE SCREENS. THROW TO SNELLING AND JACQUIZZ MORE OFTEN!! IT WILL NEUTRALIZE SOME OF THE PASS RUSH THAT RYAN IS DEALING WITH.

Thanks. Only you have the access to ask this stuff.

PreyDawg

October 26th, 2011
3:48 pm

Oh. I apologize. I didn’t mean to discount Ovie being hurt. I do hope he has a speedy recovery and I hate like heck to loose a player of this quality. Probably the top FB in the game today.

hiramsaint

October 26th, 2011
3:53 pm

did obama pass an executive order saying no failclowns could get hurt? NO – then quit crying you bunch of PANSY AZZED WHINERS. look at all the other season ending injuries for starters this past week and you want the world to cry for a back-up fb that your team didn;t even know if they wanted to re-sign. no wonder you’ve never won anything.

inkspot

October 26th, 2011
3:55 pm

Here’s hoping for a smooth recovery by Ovie! See you in 2012. This guy has been an outstanding player for the Falcons over the last few seasons. The team will miss his skill and experience, and his enthusiasm, too. Ovie Mughelli is a classy guy who always plays with a smile on his face.

Snapman

October 26th, 2011
4:01 pm

Clearly this was a very nasty and physical game, but the hit on Ovie certainly appeared more intentional than anything the Falcons are accused of doing. Delmas could have easily targeted the thigh or mid section. I knew it was serious when I first saw it.

hiramsaint

October 26th, 2011
4:05 pm

you’re a football player or a doctor? how do you know what delmas could have done? did you think matty melts ankle was serious when you first saw it or did you know he’d be back in 2 plays?

hey boo boo

October 26th, 2011
4:17 pm

Hey tough guy, drew b and others wouldn’t have gotten up from half hits Matt R has taken this year…..he is a true warrior! Matt R kicks ars!

hiramsaint

October 26th, 2011
4:44 pm

he doesn’t have to. he has an o line that doesn’t let that happen combined with a quick release that matty melt could only dream about. the standings ought to let you know about that

falconfan 24-7

October 26th, 2011
4:59 pm

I hope we can win another game this year. It will be a challenge when we have wimps like Roddy White on the team.