Falcons sign linebacker, safety to bolster defense

Corey Nelson has played four seasons with Denver
Corey Nelson played in 53 games, making six starts, in his four seasons in Denver.

Credit: Scott Halleran

Credit: Scott Halleran

Corey Nelson played in 53 games, making six starts, in his four seasons in Denver.

With Deion Jones ailing with a foot injury, the Falcons have agreed to terms with inside linebacker Corey Nelson, the team announced after Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported the news.

The Falcons also signed safety Keith Tandy and wide receiver Christian Blake to the practice squad.

The Falcons released long snapper Jeff Overbaugh and cornerback Deante Burton to make room for Nelson and Tandy.

Nelson worked out at the team’s facilities on Monday.

Jones led the Falcons with nine tackles and made an interception against Nick Foles on Thursday night.

Nelson, 26, played 53 games with six starts in his four seasons in Denver. He signed a one-year deal with the Eagles in March, but they released him late last month.

Tandy, 29, played in 84 games and made 15 starts for Tampa Bay. He was drafted in the sixth-round of the 2012 draft.

In addition to Jones’ injury, the Falcons placed safety Keanu Neal on injured reserve on Monday. Neal suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the opener against the Eagles and is out of the season.