FLOWERY BRANCH — Todd McClure’s consecutive games played streak will end with the Falcons’ season opener.
The center underwent surgery on his right knee Monday and has been ruled out against the Bears on Sept. 11. McClure holds the Falcons’ record of consecutive games played (144).
“Right now, Todd will not play in the game against Chicago,” coach Mike Smith said Tuesday. “He has been ruled out for that game, and we hope to have a better idea in terms of his rehabilitation. The procedure went well, and he is in very good spirits. If there is anybody who can get back quicker than the timeline, it’s Todd McClure.”
The 13-year veteran, who was drafted in the seventh round (No. 237) in 1999, has been a mainstay of the offensive line and started 166 of 168 games. He broke the franchise record for consecutive games last season, surpassing Keith Brooking’s mark of 128 (2000-08).
McClure left in the first half of Saturday’s exhibition game against the Steelers and did not return. He did not play in the team’s second exhibition against the Jaguars, but team officials said he was being rested. McClure practiced last week with a brace on his right knee.
McClure underwent what Smith described as a “minor procedure” Monday morning.
Joe Hawley, a second-round draft pick from UNLV last season, will start the season opener.
“I have a lot of work to do before Chicago,” Hawley said. “Without Todd I wouldn’t be where I am today. He has helped me out a lot. He answers all my questions.”
The Falcons signed center Brett Romberg on Tuesday afternoon, likely to serve as Hawley’s backup. Romberg, a 6-foot-2, 293-pounder, played 10 games with the Falcons in 2009. Overall, Romberg has played in 46 NFL games, also with the Jaguars and Rams, and made 19 career starts.
Sanders agrees to deal
Defensive back James Sanders, who recently was released by the New England Patriots, agreed to terms on a one-year deal, according to his agent. Sanders, a strong safety, worked out for the Falcons after Tuesday’s practice.
Sanders, who was drafted in the fourth round by the Patriots in 2005 when Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff was with the team, can also play free safety.
“Tough release there with James Sanders,’’ New England coach Bill Belichick told the Boston Globe. “He’s been a really solid team player for us, but we just, part of the move, needed to release people. But he was a tough one.’’
In six seasons with the Patriots, Sanders registered 301 tackles and eight interceptions in 84 regular-season games including 50 starts. He was slated to make $2.8 million with New England.
The Falcons don’t have much experienced depth behind starting safeties William Moore and Thomas DeCoud. On the depth chart released for the final exhibition game, Rafael Bush, Rafael Priest and Matt Hansen are listed as the backup strong safeties behind Moore. Shann Schillinger and Suaesi Tuimaunei are listed as the backup free safeties behind DeCoud.
The Falcons must waive a player to make room for Sanders to stay at the NFL-mandated roster size of 80 before announcing the deal.
Roster moves
The Falcons trimmed their roster to 80 players Tuesday. They waived wide receiver Doug Beaumont, running back Philip Sylvester, cornerback Kirk Belgrave and linebackers LaMarcus Thompson and Youri Yenga. They also reached an injury settlement with wide receiver Tim Buckley. His injury was not disclosed.
Rosters must be trimmed to 53 players by Saturday. Teams may sign eight players to the practice squad Monday.
Injury report
Cornerback Dunta Robinson (hamstring) and defensive linemen Lawrence Sidbury (ankle) and Corey Peters (knee) will not play in Thursday’s exhibition finale against the Ravens at the Georgia Dome. In addition, center Rob Bruggeman (concussion protocol) did not practice Tuesday and likely will miss the game.
Running back Michael Turner and kicker Matt Bryant, both of whom missed Monday’s practice because of personal reasons, were on the field Tuesday.
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