Roster

The Falcons activated defensive lineman Corey Peters from the reserve/non-football injury list and he is expected to be available for Week 8 at Philadelphia. Atlanta waived cornerback Terrence Johnson to clear a spot on the active roster for Peters.

The Falcons added Troy linebacker Jonathan Massaquoi, Mississippi State safety Charles Mitchell and South Carolina defensive tackle Travian Robertson with late picks in the NFL Draft. Massaquoi is considered a raw prospect who has some speed in his game, Mitchell might eventually be a good gunner on special teams and Robertson is a big body who could develop into a role player for the team.

The Falcons have signed running back Antone Smith to a two-year extension, the team announced Tuesday.

The Falcons added Troy linebacker Jonathan Massaquoi, Mississippi State safety Charles Mitchell and South Carolina defensive tackle Travian Robertson with late picks in the NFL Draft. Massaquoi is considered a raw prospect who has some speed in his game, Mitchell might eventually be a good gunner on special teams and Robertson is a big body who could develop into a role player for the team.

The Falcons found a replacement for John Abraham on Wednesday by reaching an agreement with free-agent defensive end Osi Umenyiora on a two-year, $8.5 million contract. The Falcons released the 34-year-old Abraham, the team leader with 10 sacks in 2012, on March 1. The 31-year-old Umenyiora gives the Falcons a slightly younger replacement at defensive end, but his production has declined in recent years. He had only six sacks for the Giants in 2012, when he started only four of 16 games. He had 55 tackles, five for losses, and one forced fumble. He had a career-high 14 1/2 sacks in 2005, when he was a first-team All-Pro selection. He has reached double figures in sacks only one of the last four years - 11 1/2 in 2010.

Falcons safety William Moore was arrested on a simple battery charge Thursday. Fulton County jail records showed Moore remained in custody Thursday night. No details of the arrest were immediately available. The Falcons released a statement saying the team was aware of the "situation involving William Moore" and was gathering more information.

The Falcons have released receiver Kerry Meier.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that if Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez retires as expected, the team could elect to go with Chase Coffman as a pass-catching tight end. A prospective unrestricted free agent, Coffman had a spectacular 16-yard catch against Seattle in the playoffs and could possibly salvage his career. “Chase is a very good receiving tight end, and he continues to grow and learn as he receives very good coaching,” general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “If Chase can … stay healthy, I think Chase has a very nice chance of being a quality football player in this league.”

Falcons coach Mike Smith announced on Tuesday that linebacker Lofa Tatupu will miss the entire season with a torn pectoral muscle he suffered during a recent workout. Mike Peterson was recently re-signed.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that if tight end Tony Gonzalez decides to retire the Falcons could lean more on No. 3 receiver Harry Douglas in an expanded role in 2013. While serving as the fourth target in the offense over the past two seasons, Douglas caught 77 passes for 894 yards and two touchdowns.

The Falcons re-signed 36-year-old linebacker Mike Peterson on Monday afternoon in an effort to fortify the team's defensive depth. Peterson, a former second-round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts, played 15 games last year, making 24 tackles and one interception.

In addition to Top-60 picks Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford as well as tight end Levine Toilolo, the Falcons selected defensive end Malliciah Goodman from Clemson, TCU defensive end Stansly Maponga, safeties Kemal Ishmael (UCF) and Zeke Motta (Notre Dame) and quarterback Sean Renfree from Duke.

In an interview with CBSSports.com, Falcons receiver Roddy White said he has one goal in mind for 2013: the Super Bowl. "You’re not finished until you win the big one," White said. "But when you get to the point when you just want to win the Super Bowl, that’s where I am. I’ve been to the Pro Bowl. I’ve been All-Pro. I’ve done everything I can be at the receiver position, but I haven’t won the Super Bowl. That’s where I am right now."

The Falcons added Troy linebacker Jonathan Massaquoi, Mississippi State safety Charles Mitchell and South Carolina defensive tackle Travian Robertson with late picks in the NFL Draft. Massaquoi is considered a raw prospect who has some speed in his game, Mitchell might eventually be a good gunner on special teams and Robertson is a big body who could develop into a role player for the team.

In addition to Top-60 picks Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford as well as tight end Levine Toilolo, the Falcons selected defensive end Malliciah Goodman from Clemson, TCU defensive end Stansly Maponga, safeties Kemal Ishmael (UCF) and Zeke Motta (Notre Dame) and quarterback Sean Renfree from Duke.

Getting a chance to serve as the team's third wide receiver with Harry Douglas sidelined by knee and ankle injuries, Falcons wide receiver Drew Davis made his presence known on the team's very first drive Week 8 at Philadephia. He caught a 15-yard pass on the third play of the game and then ended the drive by breaking away from a defender to grab a 15-yard lob in the back of the end zone. Those were his only two targets in the game.

The Falcons stayed close to home by selecting Georgia linebacker Akeem Dent in the third round of the NFL draft and selecting DE Cliff Matthews of South Carolina in Round 7. Dent (6-1, 233) led Georgia with 126 tackles and had 2 1/2 sacks as a senior. Matthews (6-3, 268) had 38 tackles and 4.5 sacks last season.

The Falcons waived or released the following players on Friday: linebacker Spencer Adkins, tight end Lamark Brown (waived/injured), linebacker Rico Council, fullback Mike Cox, wide receiver Drew Davis, cornerback Dominique Franks, linebacker Jerrell Harris, wide receiver Marcus Jackson, cornerback Marty Markett, wide receiver Kerry Meier (waived/injured), running back Dimitri Nance, defensive tackle Conrad Obi, defensive tackle Micanor Regis, wide receiver James Rodgers, linebacker Pat Schiller, cornerback Peyton Thompson and safety Suaesi Tuimaunei and long snapper Joe Zelenka.

As Cardinals rookie quarterback Ryan Lindley dropped back to pass in the second quarter Week 11 at Atlanta, Falcons defensive lineman John Abraham came in from the blind side and got his hand on the ball a split-second before Lindley's arm came forward. While both teams mostly stood around, thinking it was an incomplete pass, Abraham motioned for Jonathan Babineaux to pick up it up. The 300-pound tackle did just that, running 15 yards for a stunning touchdown. "We're always taught to finish play," Babineaux said. "I looked at the ref. I saw him running, so I figured the play was still going." Babineaux also had two solo tackles on the day.

Cornerback Robert Alford of Southeastern Louisiana has been selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the NFL draft. Alford impressed scouts at the Senior Bowl after recording 10 interceptions, including four in the 2012 season, at Southeastern Louisiana. Alford also returned punts and kickoffs in 2012, taking advantage of his 4.39 speed in the 40-yard dash.

Falcons coach Mike Smith seemed to come away impressed with rookie tight end Levine Toilolo following minicamp in early May. Toilolo is officially the NFL's tallest tight end at 6-foot-8 and could be a red-zone asset for the Falcons as soon as this season. “He’s hard to miss out there," Smith said according to the official team website. "He did a nice job in improving his understanding and his route running. I thought he caught the ball well. ... Obviously, his efficiency in the red zone is well documented. To throw the ball to a guy in the red zone, you want to make sure he’s going to catch the ball. I think that kind of says what kind of hands he has."

The Carolina Panthers made their first round of cuts Monday and waived the following players: kicker Olindo Mare; wide receivers Darvin Adams, Michael Avila, Brenton Bersin and Rico Wallace; running backs Lyndon Rowells and Josh Vaughan; defensive lineman Eric Norwood and tight end Greg Smith.

Falcons defensive back Thomas DeCoud had another solid performance in Week 16 against the Lions Saturday. He racked up six stops in the game, in a 31-18 win.

Brian Banks has signed with the Falcons after the former Southern Cal recruit's football dream was derailed when he was convicted of rape and kidnapping charges a decade ago.

In addition to Top-60 picks Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford as well as tight end Levine Toilolo, the Falcons selected defensive end Malliciah Goodman from Clemson, TCU defensive end Stansly Maponga, safeties Kemal Ishmael (UCF) and Zeke Motta (Notre Dame) and quarterback Sean Renfree from Duke.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Thursday that the Falcons signed TE Tommy Gallarda to the practice squad.

The Atlanta Falcons traded up to select Washington cornerback Desmond Trufant in the NFL draft. Trufant fills a major need after Atlanta lost three cornerbacks during the offseason. Over the last two seasons with the Huskies Trufant had just three interceptions but 25 passes defensed and played both man and zone coverage as an inside and outside cornerback.

The Falcons announced Wednesday they released fullback Lousaka Polite and signed fullback Mike Cox.

In addition to Top-60 picks Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford as well as tight end Levine Toilolo, the Falcons selected defensive end Malliciah Goodman from Clemson, TCU defensive end Stansly Maponga, safeties Kemal Ishmael (UCF) and Zeke Motta (Notre Dame) and quarterback Sean Renfree from Duke.

Tony Gonzalez told ProFootballTalk.com he is "100 percent" certain 2013 will be his final NFL season.

The Falcons activated defensive lineman Corey Peters from the reserve/non-football injury list and he is expected to be available for Week 8 at Philadelphia. Atlanta waived cornerback Terrence Johnson to clear a spot on the active roster for Peters.

Falcons running back Jason Snelling contributed a 5-yard touchdown catch during Atlanta's 30-28 Divisional Playoff win vs. Seattle. It was his only touch on offense Sunday.

In addition to Top-60 picks Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford as well as tight end Levine Toilolo, the Falcons selected defensive end Malliciah Goodman from Clemson, TCU defensive end Stansly Maponga, safeties Kemal Ishmael (UCF) and Zeke Motta (Notre Dame) and quarterback Sean Renfree from Duke.

For the second game in a row, Falcons defensive back Asante Samuel came up with an interception in Week 16 against the Lions. Samuel picked off Matthew Stafford in the game, for his fourth interception of the season.

The Falcons waived linebacker Matt Hansen on Friday. He suffered a ruptured patellar tendon during the offseason.

Falcons defensive lineman Kroy Biermann totaled one sack Week 15 vs. N.Y. Giants. It was his second sack in four games and fourth on the season.

With the news of Michael Turner's release Friday, many Fantasy owners are hopeful the Falcons will give the starting running back job to Jacquizz Rodgers. Not so fast -- while Falcons head coach Mike Smith talked him up as being a guy who could be a three-down running back, the team still is going to look at other running back options. They've already been linked as a possible destination for veteran Steven Jackson.

The Falcons signed wide receiver Tim Toone to their active roster Tuesday.

Atlanta added WR Kevin Cone and LB Robert James to the active roster on Wednesday after placing LB Mike Peterson (arm) and DB Kelvin Hayden on injured reserve.

The Falcons waived or released the following players on Friday: linebacker Spencer Adkins, tight end Lamark Brown (waived/injured), linebacker Rico Council, fullback Mike Cox, wide receiver Drew Davis, cornerback Dominique Franks, linebacker Jerrell Harris, wide receiver Marcus Jackson, cornerback Marty Markett, wide receiver Kerry Meier (waived/injured), running back Dimitri Nance, defensive tackle Conrad Obi, defensive tackle Micanor Regis, wide receiver James Rodgers, linebacker Pat Schiller, cornerback Peyton Thompson and safety Suaesi Tuimaunei and long snapper Joe Zelenka.

The Falcons announced Thursday they re-signed cornerback Dominique Franks and waived wide receiver Tim Toone.

Falcons rookie fullback Bradie Ewing has a torn ACL and will likely miss the 2012 season, the team announced Friday. Ewing was injured during a special teams play in the first half of their preseason opener against the Ravens. He was placed on injured reserve.

Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon led the team with eight tackles, all solo, Week 17 against the Buccaneers. It was his fourth straight game with seven or more. Despite missing three games due to injury, he finishes the 2012 season with 95 tackles.

The Falcons placed wide receiver Kevin Cone on injured reserve Monday, ending his season. Atlanta added offensive lineman Joe Hawley to the roster after he returned to practice last week following a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

The Falcons waived or released the following players on Friday: linebacker Spencer Adkins, tight end Lamark Brown (waived/injured), linebacker Rico Council, fullback Mike Cox, wide receiver Drew Davis, cornerback Dominique Franks, linebacker Jerrell Harris, wide receiver Marcus Jackson, cornerback Marty Markett, wide receiver Kerry Meier (waived/injured), running back Dimitri Nance, defensive tackle Conrad Obi, defensive tackle Micanor Regis, wide receiver James Rodgers, linebacker Pat Schiller, cornerback Peyton Thompson and safety Suaesi Tuimaunei and long snapper Joe Zelenka.

Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas had just five tackles in Week 16 against the Lions, as he struggled to make an impact in a 31-18 win. He had just three solo stops in the game, his lowest total in five games.

The Cowboys continued trimming their roster Friday in preparation for the regular season and released the following players: defensive linemen Clifton Geathers, Rob Callaway and Ben Bass; linebackers Baraka Atkins, Orie Lemon and Adrian Hamilton; wide receivers Saalim Hakim and Tim Benford; quarterback Rudy Carpenter; tight end Andrew Szczerba; defensive backs Eddie Whitley, Lionel Smith, Teddy Williams and Akwasi Owusu-Ansah; and running back Shaun Chapas.

Falcons defensive back Robert McClain, again getting an opportunity to start with Asante Samuel nursing a shoulder injury, had eight tackles, including seven solo, Week 14 at Carolina. He has recorded seven or more in three of his last four games.

In an interview with CBSSports.com, Falcons receiver Roddy White said he's excited for the addition of new running back Steven Jackson. "I’m always happy when you get better players," White said. "He’s a Pro Bowl running back. He can do it all – run, catch, whatever. It’s going to make the play calling much easier." White said having Jackson on the field in place of Michael Turner will help the offense as a whole, especially with the play calling. "That’s the best thing about Steven," White said. "The play calling changes because you don’t know if it’s a run or pass. It’s going to make our offense harder for defensive coordinators to catch on. It’s a whole different thing, and we’ll be good."

Matt Ryan's receiving threats are well documented and the Falcons' run game got a strong upgrade in Steven Jackson. But the offensive line is undergoing some changes as center Todd McClure retired and Tyson Clabo was released. Ryan says not to worry about it. "We've got a guy in Peter Konz that played guard for us last year, but during practice, I got a lot of snaps with Peter. Joe Hawley has played a little bit for us when Todd’s been out for a series or two throughout games the last couple of years. I’ll be fine. We’ll be fine with those guys in terms of the snap," Ryan told 790 The Zone in Atlanta. "It’s a little different and that takes some getting used to so it becomes something you don’t even think about. ... We've got Mike Johnson who has played a number of different roles for us. Then a young guy like Lamar Holmes, he’s a guy we drafted high last year that we feel really good about. He’s extremely talented and I think he’s beginning to learn the offense more and more and this offseason has been productive for him. I’m excited about those guys. I think they’re fully capable of coming in and playing good football for us. They just need to do it."

Shoulder - Probable for start of training camp

In an interview with CBSSports.com, Falcons receiver Roddy White said teammate Julio Jones has the chance to be great. "I just want him to be the best player he can be for as long as possible. That’s my goal for him," White said. "What he’s done so far, we expected him to do that. When you draft a guy that high and he’s 6-3 and runs a 4.3 and is 225 pounds, you have to go out there and dominate. We want him to dominate. Every week I tell him that’s not enough. Whatever he does, I tell him it’s not enough. You can do more. As long as we can keep him like that and keep him hungry, we’ll be fine."

The Falcons waived or released the following players on Friday: linebacker Spencer Adkins, tight end Lamark Brown (waived/injured), linebacker Rico Council, fullback Mike Cox, wide receiver Drew Davis, cornerback Dominique Franks, linebacker Jerrell Harris, wide receiver Marcus Jackson, cornerback Marty Markett, wide receiver Kerry Meier (waived/injured), running back Dimitri Nance, defensive tackle Conrad Obi, defensive tackle Micanor Regis, wide receiver James Rodgers, linebacker Pat Schiller, cornerback Peyton Thompson and safety Suaesi Tuimaunei and long snapper Joe Zelenka.

Falcons newly signed TE Reggie Kelly, acquired after a knee injury to Justin Peelle, won’t play against Jacksonville Friday, Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “We’ll try to get him in next week,” Smith said. Kelly was acquired on Tuesday.

The Falcons waived or released the following players on Friday: linebacker Spencer Adkins, tight end Lamark Brown (waived/injured), linebacker Rico Council, fullback Mike Cox, wide receiver Drew Davis, cornerback Dominique Franks, linebacker Jerrell Harris, wide receiver Marcus Jackson, cornerback Marty Markett, wide receiver Kerry Meier (waived/injured), running back Dimitri Nance, defensive tackle Conrad Obi, defensive tackle Micanor Regis, wide receiver James Rodgers, linebacker Pat Schiller, cornerback Peyton Thompson and safety Suaesi Tuimaunei and long snapper Joe Zelenka.

Even though Chris Hope will play his second straight game Week 11 at Atlanta in his return from a forearm injury, he will continue to come off the bench in favor of Jordan Babineaux, who has thrived in his absence this season. “We’ll have Jordan out there with the first group. We’ll keep rotating (Hope) in,” coach Mike Munchak said.

Falcons kicker Matt Bryant booted one field goal and three extra points during Atlanta's 28-24 loss to San Francisco in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday. Bryant converted a 35-yard field goal in the first quarter to finish perfect for the sixth consecutive outing. In three of those games, including Sunday, he finished with just one field goal.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports free agent Michael Turner plans to continue playing football in spite of not having a contract. Turner was released in March by the Falcons after failing a physical. He hurt his ankle in the NFC title game.

Ankle - Probable for start of training camp

Falcons linebacker Akeem Dent, getting another start with Sean Weatherspoon sidelined by an ankle injury, recorded a season-high nine tackles, including six solo, Week 10 at New Orleans. He now has seven tackles or more in three of his last four games.

Peria Jerry won't go so far as to say he's the missing link to an improved interior pass rush in Atlanta this year. Yet, as a former No. 24 overall draft pick, Jerry believes he hasn't come to close to maximizing his NFL potential. If Jerry does so this season, the Falcons' defense would likely solve its primary concern of training camp -- improve its pass rush or suffer another disappointing finish. "I set my goals real high and I'm going to try and achieve them," Jerry said Monday. "For the most part, I'm going to keep doing my job within the scheme, keep working and see what happens."

According to multiple reports, the Falcons will release John Abraham on Friday. Abraham was set to make $4.25 million this year and $3.25 million in 2014. Abraham had 10 sacks in 2012.

The Falcons placed safety Shann Schillinger on injured reserve Friday.