FLOWERY BRANCH, GA — The Atlanta Falcons today made two roster moves to reduce their roster to the NFL mandated number of 75 players.
Matt Giordano, a safety, has been terminated with an injury settlement. Giordano, 5-foot-11, 207 pounds, was signed by the Falcons as a free agent on March 16 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.
The Falcons also waived injured defensive tackle Thomas Johnson. Johnson, 6-foot-2, 307 pounds, was signed by the Falcons as a free agent on January 7. He appeared in 13 games, including 10 starts in 2009, totaling 27 tackles (13 solo), two sacks and a forced fumble.
Both Johnson and Giordano found themselves in crowded positions, and injuries to both complicated their chances of making it past the first round of cuts.
The Falcons must reduce their roster to 53 players by Saturday. Atlanta may establish a practice squad of up to eight players on Sunday.
