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 [...]

Matt Ryan is struggling. Michael Turner is hurting. Jason Elam can't seem to make a field goal.

Elam connected with 2-of-3 field goals and one extra point in the Falcons' 28-19 loss to the Panthers.

Spin: Elam missed a crucial 34-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter that could have given the Falcons a two-point lead -- a miss that ultimately took the steam out of the comeback. Elam has had a disastrous season so far and cannot seem to break out of a funk that started back on Week 1. It may be time to start looking elsewhere for a kicker if you're still starting Elam.Sun, Nov 15

News: Atlanta kicker Jason Elam finished with seven points in the Week 10 loss at Carolina. Elam was 2 for 3 on field goals but missed an important 34-yard attempt later in the game. Elam's long was 35 yards in the game and he was 1 for 1 on PATs.

Analysis: Elam has not recorded double digits in points yet this season as the Falcons offense has been getting into the end zone with regularity. 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 11 at the Giants

Norwood practiced Friday for the second straight day after missing Atlanta's last four games with a hip flexor.

Impacts: The Falcons (5-4) hope Norwood, who is listed as questionable for Sunday, can help stabilize his position when they visit the New York Giants (5-4). Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner is sidelined with a high ankle sprain and not expected to play. He did not practice this week and is listed as doubtful. Though Norwood is unlikely to start, the four-year veteran has spent most of his career as a backup to Turner and the retired Warrick Dunn.

Atlanta's starting running back is likely out for Sunday's key NFC tilt against the Giants, but they may get an explosive reserve back in the lineup.Jerious Norwood participated in practice for the second straight day Friday, and is listed as...

Norwood (hip) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants, the New York Daily News' Ralph Vacchiano reports.

Spin: Norwood has missed about a month with this injury, so even if he plays, he'll likely be a distant second to Jason Snelling in terms of offensive touches. Michael Turner, who is listed as doubtful, is not expected to play.Fri, Nov 20

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

Ken Sugiura, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons CB Tye Hill appears to have earned the starting job at left cornerback after replacing CB Brent Grimes last week in the lineup. Hill returned an interception for 62 yards in Week 9.

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: 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: Atlanta RB Michael Turner (ankle) missed practice again on Friday and has been listed as doubtful for the team's Week 11 game at the Giants. It is not known how long Turner will be out for. Jason Snelling is expected to start against the Giants and Jerious Norwood (hip), who is listed as questionable for the game, might be used as a third-down back.

Analysis: It looks like Turner will miss the game at the Giants and Snelling will get the start. Snelling should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy option for Week 11 and a good replacement for Turner. Norwood, if he is active Sunday, is just a low-end replacement option off waivers. Hopefully this injury won't keep Turner out for an extended period of time because when healthy he's a No. 1 Fantasy RB

Turner (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Giants, the New York Daily News' Ralph Vacchiano reports.

Spin: Atlanta hasn't officially ruled Turner out, but there is almost no chance that he plays Sunday. The majority of the carries should fall to Jason Snelling, although Jerious Norwood (hip) could be a factor as well. With no timetable set for his return, this may not be the only game Turner misses.Fri, Nov 20

Michael Turner (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Week 11 after missing his third straight practice Friday. Even listing Turner as "doubtful" is generous; coach Mike Smith admits that he has no timetable for return. Turner is in danger of missing several weeks with a high ankle sprain. Jerious Norwood (hip) practiced Friday and is listed as questionable, but is unlikely to be a major threat to Jason Snelling's carries after sitting out for the last month. Snelling will start at the Giants.Related: Jason Snelling

With Michael Turner (ankle) listed as doubtful and Jerious Norwood (hip) questionable, Snelling remains in line to start Sunday against the Giants.

Spin: Even if Norwood plays, he'll be returning from a long layoff and may not be ready for many touches. All signs point to a heavy workload for Snelling, making him a viable starting option in most formats.Fri, Nov 20

ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that Falcons' running back Jerious Norwood practiced again on Friday. Norwood is listed as questionable for Sunday's game, but the team is hopeful that he will play.

Our View: It looks like Norwood will be able to go this week, and he will likely play behind Jason Snelling. Snelling is the better play here with Michael Turner out, but Norwood could have some value if Turner misses significant time.

Falcons' running back Michael Turner missed practice again on Friday and is being listed as doubtful for this week's game, according to ProFootballTalk.com. Turner is dealing with a high ankle sprain.

Our View: Nobody really thought Turner would be able to go this week, but the Falcons have still not officially ruled him out. Fantasy owners should have someone else in the lineup, specifically Jason Snelling if you picked him up as a handcuff.

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 made six catches for 67 yards in Sunday's losing effort against the Panthers.

Spin: Running back Michael Turner left Sunday's game with a high ankle sprain, which means the Falcons are thin at running back and may need to rely on Gonzalez a bit more than usual.Sun, Nov 15

Tony Gonzalez caught six passes for 67 yards against the Panthers in Week 10. Gonzalez tied Roddy White for the team lead with 11 targets. He moved past Rod Smith into 19th place on the career receiving yardage list with 11,441. Gonzalez has a fine matchup against the Giants next week.

Tony Gonzalez caught six passes for 67 yards against the Panthers in Week 10. Gonzalez tied Roddy White for the team lead with 11 targets. He moved past Rod Smith into 19th place on the career receiving yardage list with 11,441. Gonzalez has an attractive matchup next week against a Miami team that has struggled against tight ends this year.

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

Roddy White (knee) is listed as questionable for Week 11, but is fully expected to play against the Giants. White's been "questionable" for three weeks running, but hasn't missed a game. He'll start against a Giants club that struggles to stop No. 1 wideouts.Source: Ralph Vacchiano on Twitter

White (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants, the New York Daily News' Ralph Vacchiano reports.

Spin: The questionable tag has become a weekly trend for White, but he's played the last two weeks and we aren't overly concerned about his Week 11 status. We don't want you to get burned, however, so check back Sunday morning to verify White's availability.Fri, Nov 20

Roddy White (knee) is listed as questionable for Week 11, but is fully expected to play against the Giants. White's been "questionable" for three weeks running, but hasn't missed a game. He'll start against a Giants club that's struggling to stop No. 1 wideouts.Source: Ralph Vacchiano on Twitter

News: Atlanta WR Marty Booker made one reception for 9 yards in the Week 9 win over Washington.

Analysis: Booker has two catches since Week 4 of the season and has five on the year for 73 yards with no scores. He is not a viable Fantasy option for Atlanta. Keep him on waivers for Week 10 at Carolina. The last time he faced the Panthers, in Week 2, he caught two passes for 42 yards, his best game of the season. He will not duplicate that

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 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

Ken Sugiura, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons CB Tye Hill appears to have earned the starting job at left cornerback after replacing CB Brent Grimes last week in the lineup. Hill returned an interception for 62 yards in Week 9.

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.

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.

Falcons players shrugged off the idea that taking a bus to Charlotte contributed in any way to their 28-19 loss.D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution wonders where Falcons DE John Abraham has been this season. DE Chauncey Davis...

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.

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.

Abraham had just one tackle and no sacks against the Panthers on Sunday.

Spin: Abraham has typically had a lot of success against the Panthers throughout his career, but he was kept quiet on Sunday. If you're still using Abraham in an IDP scenario, you may want to start looking elsewhere. His sack numbers are way down, and his tackle totals have never been anything to get excited about.Sun, Nov 15

News: Atlanta DL John Abraham (foot) is active for Week 9 against Washington.

Analysis: Abraham admits he is not at 100 percent and that brings him down to that of a No. 2 or a No. 3 Fantasy DL for IDP leagues

Abraham (foot) is active for Sunday's game against the Redskins.

Spin: Abraham is going to play, but his production this season has not been what it once was and the foot injury certainly does not help.Sun, Nov 8

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.

Falcons inactives: SS Charlie Peprah, OT Garrett Reynolds, RB Jason Snelling, RB Jerious Norwood, QB John Parker Wilson, OT Quinn Ojinnaka, LB Spencer Adkins, DL Thomas Johnson.

Our View: Aaron Stecker will serve as Michael Turner's primary backup at running back with both Norwood and Snelling inactive. As previously reported, Roddy White is active and will start against Washington.

The Atlanta Falcons have declared SS Charlie Peprah, OT Garrett Reynolds, RB Jason Snelling, RB Jerious Norwood, QB John Parker Wilson, OT Quinn Ojinnaka, LB Spencer Adkins, DL Thomas Johnson inactive for Week 9.

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