Falcons not worried about Brooking passing secrets

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH -- The Falcons don't believe that linebacker Keith Brooking took any trade secrets with him to Dallas.

Over the offseason, Brooking, who played for the Falcons for 11 seasons, elected to re-unite with former Falcons defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and signed with Dallas, the Falcons' opponent for a 4:15 p.m. game Sunday at Cowboys Stadium.

But the Falcons don't think he has much information to share with his new teammates. Falcons coach Mike Smith pointed out that "playbooks change from year to year."

Brooking, who went to five Pro Bowls with the Falcons and also played collegiately at Georgia Tech, is enjoying his new city.

"It's been a smooth transition," Brooking said. "The guys have welcomed me from the very beginning."

Brooking laughed and said "no," when asked if the Dallas coaches' were picking his brain for information on the Falcons.

"I was just letting them know how nasty Harvey Dahl and [Tyson] Clabo are," Brooking said. "We have to be careful with those guys because they'll sneak up on you in a heartbeat."

Fudge to play

Safety Jamaal Fudge, who took Brian Williams spot on the roster, will play on special teams Sunday against Dallas.

He will provide depth at both safety positions and nickel back.

Haynes makes it back

Former Georgia standout Verron Haynes, who spent all of last season out of football, saw his first action of the season against Chicago on Sunday.

He played at running back and on special teams.

"I'm not sure how many plays I got, but a good deal," Haynes said.

He's ready for more action this week as the Falcons have only three healthy running backs on the roster. Ovie Mughelli (calf) and Jerious Norwood (right hip flexor) are in danger of not playing Sunday.

"You can tell the caliber of a team by its depth," Haynes said. "It's unfortunate, but it's a part of our game. You've got to be able to step up whenever somebody goes down."

Stecker worked out

Before signing Antone Smith to the practice squad, the Falcons worked out veteran running back Aaron Stecker, but Smith won the job.

"He's had some opportunities and has been on practice squads with other teams," Mike Smith said. "We had a workout, and we felt like he had the best opportunity to get in here and help us."

A former Florida State star, Antone Smith is wearing No. 35.