FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Atlanta Falcons today released 13 players to reach the NFL’s mandatory 53-man roster limit.
“Today is never an easy day for anyone in the organization,” said Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff. “With that said however, we are pleased with our roster heading into the 2009 campaign. Our staff did a tremendous job of evaluating the entire team throughout the offseason, which included mini-camp, OTAs, training camp and preseason games.”
Players that were released include wide receiver Troy Bergeron, running back Thomas Brown, offensive lineman Michael Butterworth, wide receiver Robert Ferguson, linebacker Robert James, wide receiver Aaron Kelly, defensive end Maurice Lucas, cornerback William Middleton, tight end Jason Rader, quarterback D.J. Shockley, offensive guard Jose Valdez, defensive tackle Vance Walker and linebacker Jamie Winborn.
“It’s always difficult to see players being released especially considering how hard everyone has worked,” said Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith. “I feel like we have a good group of guys in place and I’m looking forward to moving on to the regular season.”
The Falcons can establish an eight-player practice squad starting on Sunday, Sept. 6.
Atlanta finished the 2009 preseason with a 2-2 record, solidifying the team’s sixth-consecutive non-losing campaign. The Falcons will host the Miami Dolphins in the season opener at the Georgia Dome on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. Game time is slated for 1 p.m. Atlanta holds an impressive 11-6 record in season home openers and has won six of their last seven dating back to 1990.
Smith will address the media regarding the final roster cuts as well as the regular season opener against Miami on Monday, Sept. 7, 2009 following practice.
RELATED LINKS:
- TRANSACTIONS: Click here for a list of all the team's 2009 transactions
- DEPTH CHART: Click here for the updated Falcons Depth Chart
- ROSTER: Click here for the 53-man roster as of Saturday
- BOARDS: Discuss the moves on the FalconsLIFE message board
- NEWS: Falcons release 13, get to 53-man roster
- NEWS: Falcons release seven players after preseason finale
