Falcons add former Georgia State standout linebacker Chase Middleton

November 25, 2017 - Atlanta, Ga: Georgia State Panthers linebacker Trey Payne (42) and linebacker Chase Middleton (39) celebrate a goal line stand in the second quarter against Appalachian State at GSU Stadium Saturday, November 25, 2017, in Atlanta.  PHOTO / JASON GETZ

Credit: Jason Getz

Credit: Jason Getz

November 25, 2017 - Atlanta, Ga: Georgia State Panthers linebacker Trey Payne (42) and linebacker Chase Middleton (39) celebrate a goal line stand in the second quarter against Appalachian State at GSU Stadium Saturday, November 25, 2017, in Atlanta. PHOTO / JASON GETZ

Former Brookwood High and Georgia State linebacker Chase Middleton was added to the Falcons’ 90-man roster Friday.

“We’ve had chance to work him out, so he’s been around with us,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Sunday. “Man, were we impressed by what he picked up. By what he looked like in the workout. We’ll get him right into the mix.”

To make room for Middleton, the Falcons released defensive back Hamp Cheevers.

Middleton, who is 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, was a two-year starter at inside linebacker and ranks sixth in Panthers history with 191 career tackles, including with 8.5 tackles for loss, one interception and six pass breakups in 48 games.

Middleton was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent and was later waived in May.

Middleton will likely get some action against the Jets and definitely in the exhibition season finale at Jacksonville.

“He started over the weekend to get ready on just a few calls,” Quinn said. “I think that will be important. In the (exhibition) games, there are not tons of things so it’s the best time to evaluate somebody because there are not so many calls. There shouldn’t be any overthinking. We’ll get him ready and anticipate him getting some reps this weekend.”

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