Falcons sign veteran long-snapper Pittman

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH – The Falcons place long-snapper Michael Schneck on injured reserved with a rib injury and signed former Houston and Seattle long snapper Brad Pittman on Thursday.

"I came Tuesday evening for a workout (on Wednesday)," Pittman said. "They expect me to come in and pretty much takeover where Mike left off. I have to learn the protections and just do that."

Pittman, 6-3, 265 pounds, has played in 92 games with the Houston Texans from 2003 to 2008. He was signed by the Seahawks, but was released after an an off the field  injury.

Pittman has a string of 598 consecutive successful snaps from 2003-07. He has also recorded 14 special teams tackles and one fumble recovery in his career.

Schneck served as the Falcons long snapper for 35 games after being signed by the team on October 1, 2007. He has also spent time with the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers in his playing career which dates back to 1999.

It's a difficult time for the Falcons to replace a player in the kicking game. Longtime kicker Jason Elam missed two field goals last week against the Saints, a 34-yarder and a 51-yarder.  He also missed two field goals in the season opener against Miami and missed an extra point.