FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons today established an eight-player practice squad consisting of wide receiver Troy Bergeron, offensive lineman Michael Butterworth, linebacker Robert James, defensive end Maurice Lucas, cornerback Glenn Sharpe, quarterback D.J. Shockley, offensive guard Jose Valdez, and defensive tackle Vance Walker.
Shockley was originally signed as a seventh round draft selection by the Falcons in 2006 and served as the team’s third quarterback in his rookie campaign and 2008. He was placed on injured reserve in 2007 after suffering a knee injury in a preseason contest against Buffalo.
James was a Falcons 2008 draft selection, however the Arizona State graduate did not see time on the field last year because of an injury suffered in the preseason.
Walker, a graduate of Georgia Tech was selected by the Falcons in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Butterworth and Sharpe were signed by Atlanta as free agents last season. Both players served time on the practice squad, however Sharpe was elevated to the 53-man roster on December 9.
Bergeron, Lucas and Valdez were all signed by the Falcons as free agents following the 2009 NFL Draft.
