When we reported a couple of months ago that the Falcons were toying with the idea of signing center Jeremy Newberry due to concerns that center Todd McClure might hold out or retire due to displeasure with his contract, the news registered barely a ripple. But when we mentioned the situation this week after Newberry signed [...]

Falcons C Todd McClure denies that he has any intention of retiring, even if his contract isn't renegotiated. There were reports in April that McClure was threatening retirement or a holdout, but he debunked that notion. "No man, I’ve got a contract," McClure said "I’m as fired up as I’ve ever been about being a Falcon right now."Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Back in April, we reported that the Falcons were interested in veteran center Jeremy Newberry. Two months to the day after mentioning the possibility of Newberry becoming a Falcon, the team has signed him. The Falcons announced the move earlier this afternoon. The interest in Newberry arose because of Todd McClure’s supposed dissatisfaction with his contract.  We were [...]

Falcons coach Mike Smith suggested Tuesday that Jason Elam could be replaced on longer field goals after he missed two kicks against the Saints. Smith mentioned punter Michael Koenen's history on long field-goal attempts, saying the kicking situation is "something we’ll always be evaluating." Elam hasn't been a reliable fantasy option this year, so owners should seek other options on the waiver wire this week.Source: atlantafalcons.com

News: Falcons K Jason Elam missed two field goals in Atlanta's loss to the Saints in Week 8, including a 51-yarder he shanked. Head coach Mike Smith was asked about Elam's play on long field goals on Tuesday and sounded like he's ready to consider a change. "Jason did not kick the ball like we're accustomed to seeing," Smith said. "That's something we evaluate ... We do have a backup (for long FGs) and Michael (Koenen) has kicked long field goals in the past."

Analysis: Elam's Fantasy value continues to slip as he makes his way through the season without the strong performances we saw in 2008. Consider other options before going with him in Week 9 when the Falcons play against the Redskins at home

News: Falcons K Jason Elam missed two more field goals Week 8 at New Orleans -- a 34-yarder and a 51-yarder -- making him 6 for 10 on the season. He did hit a 25-yarder, a 40-yarder and three extra points, equaling a season high with nine points.

Analysis: Maybe it's his 39 years of age. Maybe it's the hamstring injury that has bothered him much of the year. Whatever it is, Elam hasn't looked like the same kicker who dominated over the last 15 years, mostly with the Broncos. The Falcons have a good enough offense that he could serve as a No. 1 Fantasy K, but he needs to find consistency first. Treat him as a No. 2 option Week 9 against the Redskins

News: Falcons RB Jerious Norwood (hip) is listed as questionable for Week 9 vs. Washington. He did not practice all week and has already missed the last two games.

Analysis: When healthy, Norwood steals a handful of touches as Michael Turner's backup, but he still doesn't do enough on a regular basis to be starting in Fantasy. Keep him reserved until further notice as he'll likely be out again this week

Norwood (hip) missed practice again Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Washington, the Falcons' official site reports.

Spin: Norwood did not practice for the second consecutive week, and we'd be surprised to see him in uniform against the Redskins. Jason Snelling has a decent chance to return this week, so there isn't a pressing need for Norwood anyway.Fri, Nov 6

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons RB Jerious Norwood (hip) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 6. He is listed as questionable for Week 9 and is not expected to play.

Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Quinn Ojinnaka was freed on bond late yesterday after allegedly tossing his wife down the stairs and throwing her out of the house (clothed) after she confronted the big fella about his Facebook activity with a female friend.According to the report, Ojinnaka told police the fight escalated when his wife attempted

Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Quinn Ojinnaka is free on bond after being accused of fighting with his wife over his Facebook activity, police said Friday. Ojinnaka, a fourth-year reserve drafted out of Syracuse in the fifth round of 2006, was charged with simple battery, said police spokesman David Schiralli in suburban Gwinnett County.

Ojinnaka is free on bond after being accused of fighting with his wife over his Facebook activity, police said Friday.

Impacts: Ojinnaka, a fourth-year reserve drafted out of Syracuse in the fifth round of 2006, was charged with simple battery, said police spokesman David Schiralli in suburban Gwinnett County. Ojinnaka, who has started seven of 30 career games, told police his wife began the fight by attempting to stab him with a pen. Falcons spokesman Reggie Roberts said Friday that coach Mike Smith had talked with Ojinnaka, but the team would have no further comment.

Falcons signed OT Will Svitek. Svitek, a native of Prague, Czech Republic, was waived by the Chiefs following last year's training camp.Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

CBSSports.com reports Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said CB Brent Grimes received more playing time Week 8 because CB Tye Hill (leg) tweaked his leg.

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said he will decide each week whether CB Tye Hill or CB Brent Grimes will start at cornerback.

News: Falcons DB Brent Grimes recorded his first interception of the season Week 8 at New Orleans. He also had seven tackles, all solo, to give him 21 on the season.

Analysis: Grimes usually doesn't put up the kind of numbers that make an impact in Fantasy. Leave him on waivers

News: Backup QB Chris Redman, WR Marty Booker, WR Eric Weems, FB Verron Haynes and TE Keith Zinger did not record an offensive statistic in Week 6 vs. Chicago.

Analysis: None of the players on this list are expected to have any Fantasy appeal this season. Leave them on the waiver wire until further notice

News: Falcons backup QB Chris Redman got some time under center late in a blowout win at San Francisco in Week 5. He kneeled twice, finishing with minus-1 rushing yards.

Analysis: As a backup quarterback, Redman doesn't figure to make an impact in Fantasy unless something happens to starter Matt Ryan. Leave him on waivers for Week 6 against the Bears

News: QB Chris Redman, TE Justin Peelle, WR Eric Weems, RB Ovie Mughelli and TE Keith Zinger did not record an offensive statistic in Week 2 vs. Carolina.

Analysis: None of the players on this list are expected to have any Fantasy appeal this season. Leave them on the waiver wire until further notice

News: Falcons RB Michael Turner will take on the Redskins in Week 9 as he looks for a second straight stellar Fantasy outing. Turner, who had 151 yards rushing and a touchdown in Week 8, will be facing a Washington run defense that ranks 22nd at this point, but has only allowed three touchdowns on the ground. Turner currently has a six-game scoring streak on the line.

Analysis: Turner has been a little inconsistent to say the least in 2009, but his touchdowns have helped him save face more often than not. His matchup is a pretty decent one for Week 9, so continue to use him as a solid mid-level No. 1 Fantasy RB in all formats

The Falcons used new plays and blocking schemes in their running game during Monday's loss to the Saints. Whatever they did, it worked because Michael Turner finally got off for 151 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Still, the Saints were missing Sedrick Ellis and Scott Fujita. Let's see Turner do it again against the Redskins this week before we think of him as the yardage beast he was last season. His goal-line status makes him tough to sit in any format.Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Falcons used new plays and blocking schemes in their running game during Monday's loss to the Saints. Whatever they did, it worked because Michael Turner finally got off for 151 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Still, the Saints were missing Sedrick Ellis and Scott Fujita. Let's see Turner do it again against the Redskins this week before we think of him as the yardage beast he was last season. His goal-line prowess makes him a clear RB1 weekly.Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Snelling (hamstring) was limited in Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Washington, the Falcons' official site reports.

Spin: Jerious Norwood (hip) has missed practice all week and will probably sit out at least another game. If Snelling can play, he'll probably be the top backup to Michael Turner.Fri, Nov 6

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons RB Jason Snelling (hamstring) was limited during practice Friday, Nov. 6. He is listed as questionable for Week 9 but should be able to play.

News: Atlanta RB Jason Snelling was limited in practice on Thursday as the team prepares for its Week 9 game against the Redskins. He is considered questionable for the game.

Analysis: Snelling put up some numbers last week as Michael Turner's change-of-pace back with Jerious Norwood sidelined, but he normally doesn't handle the ball enough to make an impact in Fantasy. He was inactive for Week 8 and could be inactice again Week 9

Clabo signed his restricted free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons after starting all 16 games for the first time in his career.

Impacts: Clabo was part of an offensive line that helped the Falcons finish second in the NFL with an average of 152.7 yards per game.

Offensive guard Tyson Clabo signed his restricted free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons after starting all 16 games for the first time in his career. Clabo was part of an offensive line that helped the Falcons finish second in the NFL with an average of 152.7 yards per game. In other roster moves, the Falcons signed undrafted free agent wide receiver Bradon Godfrey, who had 128 receptions...

Falcons signed restricted free agent OT Tyson Clabo to a one-year, $1.545 million contract. Clabo, 27, emerged as a 16-game starter at right tackle last year. Powerful at 6'6/332, he will keep his job this season. The former NFL Europe player was yet another success story for outstanding line coach Paul Boudreau.

Gonzalez had six catches for 89 yards in the Falcons' 35-27 loss at New Orleans on Monday night.

Impacts: Gonzalez had at least four catches for the fourth straight week, even though he's only scored once in his last five games. Look for him to be a red-zone target more in the coming weeks with Matt Ryan struggling.

News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who averaged only 40 receiving yards over his last four games, had a season-high 89 on six catches at New Orleans in Week 8. He went without a touchdown, giving him only one in his last five games.

Analysis: Gonzalez showed he's still a big part of the Falcons' passing game, not that anyone ever doubted the man with at least 900 receiving yards each of the last six years. He's a big enough red-zone target that his touchdown drought has to end sooner or later as well. Week 9 seems like a good bet since the Falcons host the Redskins. Keep Gonzalez active

Tony Gonzalez caught six passes for 89 yards in the Falcons' Monday night loss to the Saints. Gonzalez continues to be Matt Ryan's favorite target when he needs a big third-down conversion. He had some solid gains in the first half when Saints' linebackers were making some coverage mistakes. Gonzalez and the Falcons have a good matchup against the Redskins next week.

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons TE Keith Zinger (back) participated in practice Friday, Nov. 6. He is listed as probable for Week 9 and is expected to play.

Zinger is off the Falcons' practice squad and will play No. 3 tight end in 2009, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Spin: Tony Gonzalez and Justin Peele hold priority on the depth chart, but Zinger brings a blocking dynamic that may give him a few chances to show his stuff on the field this season. However, we don't expect him to blossom much as a receiving tight end.Fri, Sep 11

News: The Falcons waived the following players Saturday as they cut their roster down to 53 players: QB Joey Harrington, OL D'Anthony Batiste, S Eric Brock, OL Michael Butterworth, S Deke Cooper, C Doug Datish, DE Willie Evans, CB Wilrey Fontenot, OL Kynan Forney, DE Brandon Miller of Georgia, DT Rashad Moore, OL Terrance Pennington, LB Mickey Pimentel, TE Marcus Pollard, CB Glenn Sharpe, DT Montavious Stanley, S Daren Stone, LB Cameron Vaughn, WR Eric Weems, WR Chandler Williams, TE Keith Zinger.

Analysis: Clearly, none of these players were being considered for significant playing time anyway. They may clear waivers and could be on the practice squad, but won't be worth owning in Fantasy

Returned To Practice Friday

Falcons wide receiver Roddy White and offensive tackle Sam Baker returned to practice Friday. White (knee) and Baker (ankle) did not practice Thursday, but were limited in their participation on Friday. "I anticipate them being ready to go on Sunday afternoon," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

FF Today's Take: Feel free to deploy White on your fantasy team this weekend as you normally would.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White is expected to play Sunday against the Washington Redskins, despite a knee injury that has limited him in practice. White and offensive tackle Sam Baker both returned to practice on a limited basis Friday...

News: Falcons WR Roddy White was at practice Friday after missing work on Thursday with a knee injury. He's expected to play Sunday vs. the Redskins, said head coach Mike Smith via the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "I anticipate (him) being ready to go on Sunday afternoon," coach Smith said.

Analysis: We're not sure how serious the injury is to White's knee, but obviously it's not too bad or else he wouldn't be ready to line up against the Redskins and their tough DBs in Week 9. Consider him a No. 1 Fantasy WR for the coming week's action

News: Falcons WR Marty Booker caught one pass for 14 yards at Dallas in Week 7. He now has five catches on the year, his last one coming in Week 3.

Analysis: Booker is too low on the depth chart to make a significant Fantasy contribution. He won't make more than one or two catches per game. Leave him on waivers for Week 8 against the Seahawks

Booker appeared on Friday's injury report with an abdomen injury, but he fully participated in practice, the Falcons' official site reports.

Spin:

News: Falcons WR Marty Booker caught two passes for 42 yards in Week 2 vs. Carolina. Booker had not had a catch in Week 1.

Analysis: Despite the pair of catches, Booker is not a player we recommend in Fantasy. He does not see enough targets to be considered useful in Fantasy

News: Falcons DB Thomas DeCoud earned his second sack Week 8 at New Orleans, also forcing a fumble. He finished with five tackles, including three solo.

Analysis: DeCoud has a sack or an interception in each of his last three games, so he's emerging as a playmaker on the Falcons defense. He's worth a flier as a No. 2 or 3 DB in Fantasy IDP leagues

News: Falcons DB Thomas DeCoud, who recorded the first two interceptions of his career last week, recorded the first sack of his career Week 7 at Dallas. He also had 10 tackles, eight solo.

Analysis: DeCoud is getting a chance to start for the first time in his young career, and he's beginning to emerge as a playmaker. He's worth a flier if you need a No. 2 or 3 DB in Fantasy IDP leagues

DeCoud followed up last week's stellar outing with another decent showing on Sunday, recording eight tackles and recording a sack in the losing effort to Dallas.

Spin: Tony Romo was still able to pick apart the defense passing 21-of-29 for 311 yards and three scores, so DeCoud and the Falcons have plenty of work to do. If the Falcons' secondary was this bad against Romo and the struggling Cowboys, it could be a very long game for them against the Saints in New Orleans next week.Sun, Oct 25

CBSSports.com reports Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said CB Brent Grimes received more playing time Week 8 because CB Tye Hill (leg) tweaked his leg.

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said he will decide each week whether CB Tye Hill or CB Brent Grimes will start at cornerback.

News: Falcons DB Brent Grimes recorded his first interception of the season Week 8 at New Orleans. He also had seven tackles, all solo, to give him 21 on the season.

Analysis: Grimes usually doesn't put up the kind of numbers that make an impact in Fantasy. Leave him on waivers

Evan Oglesby auditioned for the Falcons, according to Aaron Wilson's (Ravens Insider) twitter page.

Our View: The Falcons could use depth at cornerback with Brian Williams (knee) done for 2009, but Oglesby left town without a deal.

Though safety Jamaal Fudge was signed by the Falcons to fill the roster spot created when cornerback Brian Williams (knee) landed on injured reserve, the Falcons might be thinking about adding a running back.Four of them worked out for the...

Jamaal Fudge has re-signed with the Falcons, according to their official team website. He was cut by the team back in early September.

Our View: The cornerback was brought back for depth with Brian Williams done for 2009 due to a torn ACL. Fudge is not expected to make an impact in IDP leagues.

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons DE Chauncey Davis (foot), LB Tony Gilbert (hamstring) and C Todd McClure (calf) fully participated in practice Friday, Sept. 11. They are listed as probable for the team's Week 1 game and are expected to play.

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons DE Chauncey Davis (foot), LB Tony Gilbert (hamstring) and C Todd McClure (calf) fully participated in practice Thursday, Sept. 10. Davis and McClure are expected to play Week 1, while Gilbert is expected to be available.

Atlanta Falcons DE Chauncey Davis (foot), LB Tony Gilbert (hamstring), C Todd McClure (calf) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Sept. 9.

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said DT Trey Lewis (knee) has been medically cleared to take part in the team\'s offseason workouts.

Falcons DT Trey Lewis has been medically cleared for the offseason after missing all of 2008 while rehabbing two knee surgeries. Lewis, who showed promise as a rookie nose tackle in 2007, will compete for a spot in Atlanta's rotation. He's one of the club's few natural run pluggers.Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Falcons are not expected to activate DT Trey Lewis (knee surgeries) from the non-football injury list when he's eligible in Week 7. He will be transferred to the injured reserve list. Lewis showed promise as a rookie run stopper in 2007, but has re-injured his knee several times.Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin has been medically cleared to do all workouts. Maclin hurt the knee at the Scouting Combine.

Updating a previous report, the Atlanta Falcons have announced they have re-signed free-agent LB Coy Wire. Terms of the contract were not disclosed but an earlier report stated it is a two-year deal.

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms on a two-year contract with LB Coy Wire to re-sign with the club. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed.

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons LB Tony Gilbert (knee) fully participated in practice Thursday, Oct. 29. He is expected to play in Week 8.

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Anwar Phillips had a complaint filed against him in California civil court for his alleged role in preying on San Diego, California homeowners facing foreclosure. No criminal charges have been filed against Phillips. No additional information is currently available.

The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Wednesday that they have named Ronnie Bradford as a defensive assistant coach and Nick Sirianni as an offensive quality control coach.

Atlanta Falcons CB Chris Owens (shoulder) was limited during practice Saturday, Oct. 31. He is listed as questionable for Week 8.

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons DT Jonathan Babineaux (ankle), CB Chris Owens (shoulder) and OT Sam Baker (ankle) were limited during practice Friday, Oct. 30. They are expected to play in Week 8.

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons DT Jonathan Babineaux (ankle), CB Chris Owens (shoulder) and LS Mike Schneck (back) were limited during practice Thursday, Oct. 29. They are expected to play in Week 8.

News: Falcons DL John Abraham (foot) is listed as questionable for Week 9 vs. Washington. He only practiced in a limited capacity during the week. He has gone without a sack in three games.

Analysis: Abraham admits he is not at 100 percent, but is likely to play on Sunday as long as he doesn't suffer a setback. Not being fully healthy does take Abraham down to being a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy DL

Abraham (foot) was limited in Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Washington, the Falcons' official site reports.

Spin: Abraham's production has been spotty of late, and this foot injury doesn't make us any more comfortable about recommending him. The Falcons do play in the first wave of kickoffs, so if you do plan to use him, at least you'll know Sunday morning whether he'll be available.Fri, Nov 6

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons DE John Abraham (foot) participated in practice Friday, Nov. 6. He is listed as questionable for Week 9 but will play.

News: Lawrence Sidbury, a fourth-round draft pick from Richmond, had two sacks and took snaps with the first-team defense in Atlanta's 20-13 win at St. Louis last week. He's also been learning from John Abraham about how to be a great pass rusher. No one with the Falcons is ready to say Sidbury is competing with Jamaal Anderson and Chauncey Davis for the left defensive end spot opposite Abraham, but head coach Mike Smith said the rookie is on the right track. "Lawrence definitely will have an opportunity as he becomes more comfortable with our scheme to compete for the other defensive end position," Smith said.

Analysis: Sidbury could compete for a pass-rushing job out of training camp. That said, he's only worth a middle- to late-round pick in rookie-only drafts this summer

Sidbury had a pair of sacks in Saturday's preseason game against the Rams.

Spin: "Any time you have multiple sacks that's an impressive game for a defensive lineman," head coach Mike Smith told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "He's still learning the system. John Abraham is doing a really good job in mentoring him. I think he's going to continue to get better and better. There are a lot of things he hasn't seen that we hope over the next two weeks he'll get an opportunity to see before the regular season." Given that he's still behind Chauncey Davis and Jamaal Anderson on the team's depth chart opposite John Abraham, Sidbury's playing time may be limited unless injuries remove some of the Falcons' depth at defensive end this season.Sun, Aug 23

Falcons rookie defensive end Lawrence Sidbury had two sacks in the team's second exhibition game. The fourth-round pick probably only played 20 or so snaps, so this is pretty impressive. Sidbury has a very high ceiling as a pass rusher. He needs to become a more complete player to threaten for a starting job.

Falcons signed DT Vance Walker off their practice squad. The Panthers had shown interest in Walker before the Falcons needed him due to Peria Jerry's season-ending injury. Walker will only provide depth.Source: Darin Gantt on Twitter

Falcons signed seventh-round DT Vance Walker to an undisclosed contract. Walker (6'2/304), a first-team All-ACC selection at Georgia Tech, struggled with a bad ankle during Senior Week practices. A slow forty at the Combine pushed him further down the draft boards, but he profiles as a rotational lineman for the Falcons.Source: atlantafalcons.com

News: The Falcons spent a seventh-round pick on Georgia Tech DT Vance Walker, who will provide organizational depth for the club in training camp. He's a physical interior defensive lineman who had a bad senior season after suffering a concussion and then an ankle injury, but he did finish his collegiate career with 13 sacks.

Analysis: He'll likely be no better than a reserve or practice squad player. Keep him off of Fantasy rosters

The Atlanta Falcons have signed Adkins.

Impacts: Adkins, 5-foot-11, 246 pounds, had 72 tackles including 10 for a loss, five sacks and one interception in 31 games at Miami. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

2009 sixth round draft pick Spencer Adkins has agreed to a four-year deal with the Falcons, according to AtlantaFalcons.com.

Our View: The University of Miami product isn't expected to make the team immediately, but is quick and athletic and could one day make the Falcons squad. He is fantasy irrelevant at this time.

Falcons signed sixth-round LB Spencer Adkins to a four-year contract. Adkins was the lone Miami alum taken in April. An underachiever throughout college, the 5'11/246-pounder is a project with top speed but lots to prove. Even in a poor Falcons LB corps, Adkins is probably practice squad bound.

The Falcons signed Peprah on Wednesday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Spin: He'll add depth in the secondary while providing a replacement for Jamaal Fudge (IR, knee) on the Falcons' roster.Wed, Nov 4

Falcons signed S Charlie Peprah, formerly of the Packers. Peprah will try to supply Atlanta with help on special teams.Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter

Scout.com's Adam Caplan reports the Atlanta Falcons signed free-agent SS Charlie Peprah (Packers) Wednesday, Nov. 4. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.