FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons today made 22 roster moves to reach the NFL’s mandatory 53-player limit.
“We are pleased about our roster heading into the 2008 season,” said General Manager Thomas Dimitroff. “I’m satisfied with the process we went through to get to this point including OTAs, mini-camp, training camp and the preseason. Our coaching staff did a good job guiding our players over the past five months and I’m very proud of the team our staff put together. I’m looking forward to starting the regular season.”
The Falcons waived:
- OL D’Anthony Batiste
- S Eric Brock
- OL Michael Butterworth
- S Deke Cooper
- C Doug Datish
- DE Willie Evans
- QB Joey Harrington
- CB Wilrey Fontenot
- OL Kynan Forney
- DE Brandon Miller
- 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
The team also placed running back Thomas Brown on injured reserve. He suffered a groin injury in Thursday's preseason win at Baltimore.
“It’s always difficult to release players knowing how hard everyone in the locker room has worked,” said Head Coach Mike Smith. “I feel good about the make-up of the 2008 Atlanta Falcons and I’m looking forward to coaching these players. I’m excited to get back to the practice field on Monday to continue preparing for the season opener against Detroit.”
Atlanta may also establish up to a nine-player practice squad, including International practice squad player, Noriaki Kinoshita, starting on Sunday, August 31.
The Falcons finished the 2008 preseason with a 2-2 record. Atlanta will host the Detroit Lions in the regular season opener at the newly renovated Georgia Dome on Sunday, September 7. Game time is set for 1 p.m.
RELATED LINKS:
- ROSTER: Review the Falcons current roster
- DEPTH CHART: Check out the team's updated depth chart
- FANS REACT: Talk about the moves with other fans on FalconsLIFE
- TRANSACTIONS: Review the Falcons official 2008 transactions page
