FLOWERY BRANCH – Gino Gradkowski, who took the "majority" of the practice snaps with the starters, is expected to start at center for the Falcons (8-7) against the Saints (6-9) at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
“Gradkowski had a good bulk of the reps,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said.
Mike Person had another bad snap against the Panthers and was now competing this week with Gradkowski.
Person tossed a close shotgun snap back too fast. Panthers cornerback Josh Norman recovered and ball. Left guard Andy Levitre hustled back and stopped Norman for scoring a touchdown. It was at least their third botched center snap that led to a turnover.
Person beat back a challenge earlier this season from Gradkowski and James Stone, who’s since been injured and played on injured reserve.
In the 31-21 loss to the Saints, Stone had botched snap that killed a red zone opportunity. There was also a botched snap against Washington. The problem has persisted, but wasn’t as costly against the Panthers.
Gradkowski, 6-3, 300 pounds, was originally selected by the Baltimore Ravens pick in the fourth round (98th overall) of the 2012 NFL draft out of Delaware.
He played in 40 games with 16 starts over three years for the Ravens. Denver acquired him via trade in April 2015.
The Falcons claimed him off of waivers and released Joe Hawley on Sept. 7.
