Complete list of cuts, and our official 53 man roster

[The Falcon Jedi]

THE CUTS

Tight end Michael Palmer, a Parkview High grad, made the Falcons initial cut down to 53 players on Saturday.

In a surprise move, the Falcons waived tight end Keith Zinger clearing the way for Palmer. Also, backup center Brett Romberg and Chevis Jackson, who was the team’s nickel back for most of the last two seasons, was released.

The Falcons also terminated the contract of fullback Dan Klecko.

Atlanta waived tight end Robbie Agnone, wide receiver Troy Bergeron, wide receiver Tim Buckley, running back Dimitri Nance, center Blake Schlueter, wide receiver Andy Strickland, wide receiver Ryan Wolfe, safety Rafael Bush, safety Eric Brock, cornerback Dominique Daniels, cornerback Chevis Jackson, linebacker Weston Johnson, defensive end Maurice Lucas, defensive end Emmanuel Stephens, guard Jose Valdez and linebacker Bear Woods.

The Falcons also waived-injured wide receiver Brandyn Harvey.

The Falcons will turn their attention to stocking the practice squad, which may hold up to eight players .

THE 53-MAN ROSTER

Quarterbacks (3)

Matt Ryan, Chris Redman and John Parker Wilson.

Running backs (5)

Jerious Norwood, Michael Turner, Ovie Mughelli, Jason Snelling and Antone Smith.

Wide receivers (5)

Michael Jenkins, Roddy White, Harry Douglas, Brian Finneran and Eric Weems.

Tight ends (3)

Justin Peelle, Michael Palmer and Tony Gonzalez.

Offensive line (9)

Todd McClure, Justin Blalock, Harvey Dahl, Sam Baker, Tyson Clabo, Will Svitek, Garrett Reynolds, Joe Hawley and Mike Johnson.

Defensive line (9)

Trey Lewis, John Abraham, Kroy Biermann, Lawrence Sidbury, Corey Peters, Chauncey Davis, Peria Jerry, Jonathan Babineaux, Jamaal Anderson and Vance Walker.

Linebackers (7)

Curtis Lofton, Mike Peterson, Stephen Nicholas, Sean Weatherspoon, Coy Wire, Spencer Adkins and Robert James.

Defensive backs (9)

Brent Grimes, Christopher Owens, Dunta Robinson, William Moore, Dominique Franks, Erik Coleman, Shann Schillinger and Thomas DeCoud and Brian Williams.

Specialists (3)

Locks: Matt Bryant, Michael Koenen and Joe Zelenka.

[Dem Birds]

I just don't understand! If you were going to keep a fourth runningback, why is it Antone Smith!? Nance was making plays. I'm way confused.

And I've been saying it all preseason, Vance Walker made the team. Of course, as far as I was concerned that was solidified with the release of Thomas Johnson. Cause I knew we'd keep 10 D-lineman. ...and apparently who ever wrote that out can't count because there are 10 Dlineman, not 9.

[harveybirdman]

scratching my head at Smith making the team

[King ED]

I just don't understand! If you were going to keep a fourth runningback, why is it Antone Smith!? Nance was making plays. I'm way confused.

Nance wasn't really making plays. He scores a few easy TDs, but he wasn't really doing much in the run game. People were calling for Smith's head simply because of that fumble.

[Dem Birds]

Nance wasn't really making plays. He scores a few easy TDs, but he wasn't really doing much in the run game. People were calling for Smith's head simply because of that fumble.

Nance was making plays in the passing game though. If you're going to have a Michael Turner clone in Snelling, why not have a Norwood clone in Nance? Smith had done NOTHING. He had one good run that I saw.

[Durrty]

Maybe Smith had a better understanding of the scheme or he was a better blocker. Remember, the coaches were looking at their entire body of work, so I'm sure they know Nance's flaws. TBH, Smith was the better vertical runner while Nance was the better RB for screens and dumpoffs. I think we'll keep him on the PS though. Let's just wait and see. Besides, it's not like either would get much playing time anyway...but, we are talking about Norwood's injury history here.

[kibitzer]

Nance was making plays in the passing game though. If you're going to have a Michael Turner clone in Snelling, why not have a Norwood clone in Nance? Smith had done NOTHING. He had one good run that I saw.

No offense to you, man, you're a good poster. But you just weren't watching closely enough. And I think that fumble in the Jax game is just really clouding some people's vision very badly.

[k-train]

Nance wasn't really making plays. He scores a few easy TDs, but he wasn't really doing much in the run game. People were calling for Smith's head simply because of that fumble.

Hit the nail on the head

[NorCal Falcon Fan]

Better special teamer. That's what failed the Bear. But with some PS time and practice, he'll be on the field for the Falcons. Don't underestimate that Nance won't make the PS either...

[DaMeatTroughsEgo]

Three reasons we might have kept Smith

1. Experience/Knowledge of scheme

2. Blocking

3. Special teams

Remember that play somebody botched back against the goalline with nance and smith in the backfield?

Edited September 4, 2010 by DaMeatTrough

[Durrty]

Nance was making plays in the passing game though. If you're going to have a Michael Turner clone in Snelling, why not have a Norwood clone in Nance? Smith had done NOTHING. He had one good run that I saw.

Smith showed out on Friday Night Lights though...here's what I think. Smith is a more polished RB whereas Nance may need another year in the pros to fine tune some of his skills. We can all say who we would've kept, but the coaches obviously see something else. I wouldn't doubt the coaches not inviting him to the PS though.

[Rock Howard]

Why are there 54 names listed? BTW the online roster now has 55 names. The 54 listed on this release as well as Rob Bruggerman.

As for Smith, obviously he fits better as a direct replacement for Norwood (which is necessary if you are going to elevate Norwood's role in the office and yet remain realistic about his lack of durability.) Also I imagine that Smith proved himself in some ways as a useful ST player.

[lystrodom]

Nance was making plays in the passing game though. If you're going to have a Michael Turner clone in Snelling, why not have a Norwood clone in Nance? Smith had done NOTHING. He had one good run that I saw.

Uh... Nance is exactly in the vein of Turner in Snelling. (Well, more like Snelling: Great hands and not as fast.)

Smith is much closer to Norwood, because of his speed. Bricks for hands, though. He certainly wont be returning things.

[lystrodom]

Why are there 54 names listed? BTW the online roster now has 55 names. The 54 listed on this release as well as Rob Bruggerman.

Babs doesn't count against us until after the first game with the Steelers. I'm guessing we'll release a DT at that point. (Walker?)

[Rock Howard]

Babs doesn't count against us until after the first game with the Steelers. I'm guessing we'll release a DT at that point. (Walker?)

That makes sense, but how does that work technically? How can you protect more than 53 players? I know about "Player Unable to Perform", but that means 6 weeks, doesn't it? Also Injured Reserve means the rest of the season. Just curious...

[ATLFalcon556]

must be becuz smith is fast and can block well

[Rev_Hal]

Nance was making plays in the passing game though. If you're going to have a Michael Turner clone in Snelling, why not have a Norwood clone in Nance? Smith had done NOTHING. He had one good run that I saw.

It was probably based on special teams play instead of RB play. Neither guy would get too many carries, if any at all.

[xFalconLord]

Antone Smith would be the odd man out if/when we sign a 6th WR..

[delaigle]

must be becuz smith is fast and can block well

Jay Adams pointed out in another post that Smith is good for imitating opposing RBs for the Defense to practice against.

[isproab]

I just don't understand! If you were going to keep a fourth runningback, why is it Antone Smith!? Nance was making plays. I'm way confused.

And I've been saying it all preseason, Vance Walker made the team. Of course, as far as I was concerned that was solidified with the release of Thomas Johnson. Cause I knew we'd keep 10 D-lineman. ...and apparently who ever wrote that out can't count because there are 10 Dlineman, not 9.

This is the only move I question. I was pulling for Palmer, he may not be the blocker Ziegler is, but I would rather have a guy that can really fill in and play the position from all aspects. Antone Smith over Nance? I'm sure the Falcons like his speed but Nance was way more productive.

[xFalconLord]

I just don't understand! If you were going to keep a fourth runningback, why is it Antone Smith!? Nance was making plays. I'm way confused.

And I've been saying it all preseason, Vance Walker made the team. Of course, as far as I was concerned that was solidified with the release of Thomas Johnson. Cause I knew we'd keep 10 D-lineman. ...and apparently who ever wrote that out can't count because there are 10 Dlineman, not 9.

This is why we kept Smith I would guess..

"[Antone Smith] impressed scouts at the FSU's Pro Day by running a 4.32 40-yard dash...he also put up 32 reps in the bench press and had a 36 inch vertical!"

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/156227-antone-smith-the-heir-to-brian-westrooks-throne

[LADBABY]

Uh... Nance is exactly in the vein of Turner in Snelling. (Well, more like Snelling: Great hands and not as fast.)

Smith is much closer to Norwood, because of his speed. Bricks for hands, though. He certainly wont be returning things.

Thanks for knowing which one is which. You and I may be the

only two on this MB that don't have them reversed.

[1989Fan]

Nance didnt have any game close to as good as Smiths game against Miami.

we could put Nance on PS, and no guarantee Smith is on board after James and Babs count against the roster again.

with some of the young RBs let go today they might both be old news soon, who knows.

[Osiruz]

I thought releasing bear woods and valdez were really questionable decisions...and I liked nance more than antone smith. I think those are terrible decisions...

I would've cut smith and would've cut shillinger or davis

[rightsaidfred]

Babs doesn't count against us until after the first game with the Steelers. I'm guessing we'll release a DT at that point. (Walker?)

Robert James doesn't count for the first 4 games.