Falcons new corner learned from Champ Bailey

Flowery Branch — Domonique Foxworth, the Falcons newly acquired cornerback, doesn’t plan to carry any pon-poms Sunday.

“They don’t want me here to cheer lead,” Foxworth said. “I’m going to get ready to play in this game.”

Foxworth, acquired in a trade with Denver Tuesday, went through his first practice with the Falcons Wednesday. He plans to play against Detroit at 1 p.m. Sunday in the season-opener.

“It was just the fine-tuning of our 53-man roster,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said of the trade. “We feel like Domonique improves our secondary.”

The former Maryland standout is going through a crash course in learning the defense. He could possibly be used as the nickel (five defensive backs) or dime (six defensive backs) back.

“I’m just trying to learn the defense,” Foxworth said. “I haven’t had a chance to sit still yet.”

Foxworth has the most experience of the cornerbacks on the roster. Second-year men Chris Houston and Brent Grimes are expected to start.

“Working behind guys like Champ (Bailey) and Dre (Bly), I’ve definitely learned a lot,” Foxworth said.

If Houston or Grimes falter, Foxworth is a candidate to eventually move into the starting lineup. He’s an unrestricted free agent after the season.

Falcons kicker Jason Elam played with Foxworth in Denver.

“I’m surprised Denver let him get away,” Elam said. “He’s a very versatile player. He can play corner, safety and he’s a great special teams player.

“He’s smart. A good guy in the locker room. We definitely got better as a team when we picked him up.”

Jamaal Fudge, who the Falcons claimed off waivers from Jacksonville on Tuesday, will play strong safety behind Lawyer Milloy and special teams.

“I just want to fit in where needed,” Fudge said.