Falcons re-sign safety Fudge to fill Williams' spot

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Falcons elected to let the NFL's trading deadline pass and added safety Jamaal Fudge to the roster Tuesday.

Fudge takes the spot that was created by placing cornerback Brian Williams on injured reserve.

Fudge played with the Falcons last season and was released Sept. 7, the day after the team signed Williams.

Fudge, 5-foot-9, 190 pounds, played mostly on special teams and made one start at free safety in 2008. He had a team-high 10 tackles against St. Louis in the regular-season finale.

The signing of Fudge continues a pattern of signing players from Jacksonville -- where coach Mike Smith and most of the defensive staff came from -- who are familiar with the defensive scheme.

Fudge was signed as a rookie free agent with Jacksonville in 2006. After two seasons with the Jaguars, he was claimed off waivers by the Falcons last season.

Williams, who was signed after being released by Jacksonville, had helped to stabilized the Falcons' young secondary. He started the first five games of the season at left cornerback. In passing situations, he moved inside in the nickel defense to cover slot receivers.

He made an immediate impact and for the season had 23 tackles, one interception, three passes defensed, one blocked punt and a fumble recovery, which went for 53 yards against Miami in the season opener.

Williams injured his right knee, which will require reconstructive surgery, when he landed awkwardly during the fourth quarter Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

Smith said Monday that the team expected to fill Williams' cornerback duties with players on the roster. Reserve cornerbacks Tye Hill, Chevis Jackson and rookie Christopher Owens will get a shot to join Brent Grimes and Chris Houston in the cornerback mix.