Falcons release two, set to make final cuts today
His name is Jonathan Mark Woods, but people call him "Bear" for short.
Bear Woods, who played middle linebacker in the exhibition finale Thursday against Jacksonville, is waiting to hear some news from the Falcons.
He's waiting to find out if he made the team or if he's going to be released. Also, he could be released and offered a spot on the practice squad.
The team did not announce any moves Friday, but must cut down to 53 by Saturday. However, safety Eric Brock and fullback Dan Klecko, were released Friday, according to their agents.
Woods, of Macclenny, Fla., played in front of a bunch of family and friends Thursday against the Jaguars. He led the Falcons in tackles with five and had a sack.
The Falcons have an opening for a backup middle linebacker behind Curtis Lofton. Tony Gilbert, who filled that role last season, was released in the offseason. Robert James, another candidate, must serve a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy if he makes the team.
Versatile veteran Coy Wire can play all three linebacker positions and could serve as the backup middle linebacker.
Woods was pleased with his bid to make the team.
"It was a lot of work getting through this training camp," said Woods, who was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Troy on April 26. "It paid off for me since I was able to go play some football. Actually, I was very prepared. That's why I was comfortable out there."
Woods, wide receiver Andy Strickland and tight end Michael Palmer, a Parkview High grad, made the most of their action against Jacksonville.
Strickland had four catches for 38 yards, and Palmer had five catches for 45 yards.
"I think he has a chance to be a pretty good player," said Falcons quarterback Chris Redman of Palmer. "I think he looks really comfortable catching the ball. He's real relaxed out there."
Brock, who played at Auburn, was on the practice squad last season. He went on the active roster Dec. 22, 2009, after safety Antoine Harris was placed on injured reserve. Brock was waived Feb. 9 and re-signed Aug. 17.
Klecko, son of former New York Jets’ great Joe Klecko, was signed to a reserve/future contract by the Falcons on Jan. 11. He was selected by New England in the fourth round of the 2003 draft and has played with -New England, Indianapolis and Philadelphia.
One of the tougher competitions has been at cornerback. The Falcons finished last season with four cornerbacks on the roster.
Dunta Robinson, Brent Grimes and Christopher Owens appear to be locks. Brian Williams, rookie Dominique Franks and Chevis Jackson are competing for the final spot, or the last two spots if the Falcons elect to keep five cornerbacks.
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
