The Atlanta Falcons today signed free agents, linebacker Tony Gilbert and tight end Justin Peelle and completed the practice squad with the signing of defensive end Sean Conover and running back Kenneth Darby. The Falcons also released tight end Jason Rader and linebacker Tony Taylor.
Rookie quarterback Matt Ryan played well in his Falcons debut but the Birds fell to the Jaguars 20-17 at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.
Mike Smith's first game as an NFL head coach will be against his former employer. The Falcons travel to Jacksonville this weekend to face the Jaguars in the 2008 preseason opener.
Second-year linebacker looking to take advantage of opportunities as Falcons start to add gear. More in the J. Michael Moore's camp notebook.
The selection of Curtis Lofton in the second round of the NFL Draft gave the Falcons some flexibility, including a chance to work Keith Brooking at outside linebacker.
Former Georgia standout Tony Taylor has seen action with the first-team defense during OTAs. The second-year player is now working on staying in a role that will allow him to contribute more.
Eight Falcons players, including linebacker Michael Boley, helped more than 40 kids with their holiday shopping Tuesday night at Dick's Sporting Goods.
Kicker Matt Prater had a strong workout before signing with the Falcons just before the preseason finale against Baltimore. Two field goals in the game helped seal the deal for the Falcons new kicker and kickoff man. That and more in the Practice Notebook.
The Falcons defeated the Ravens 13-10 Friday night thanks to the leg of newly-acquired kicker Matt Prater, who joined the team Thursday.