Falcons Not Interested In Leftwich
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons could not officially comment on potential interest on Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich, who could be released or traded in the near future, because Leftwich remains Jacksonville's property. However, Atlanta will not pursue Leftwich via trade or through free agency, a team official confirmed.
Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said Friday afternoon that Leftwich would no longer be their starter and that the four-year veteran's tenure with the team would be coming to an end.
The Falcons are in the market for someone to compete for the No. 3 quarterback job behind starter Joey Harrington and backup Chris Redman. Casey Bramlet currently is the third quarterback on the roster.
The team plans to wait until after leaguewide cuts today to see whether it wants to claim a player off waivers. Some possible candidates include Washington's Mark Brunell and Oakland's Andrew Walter.
Rookie tight end Milner hurts knee
Rookie tight end Martrez Milner had to be helped off the field after a right knee injury suffered in the third quarter. No diagnosis was immediately available. Milner was escorted from the field to the locker room by two members of the Falcons' training staff.
Milner, who played at Georgia and at West Hall High, also pulled himself out of action in the second quarter because of hamstring discomfort.
Shockley's surgery set for next week
Quarterback D.J. Shockley, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the second exhibition game, is scheduled to have surgery next week. Shockley tore his anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in his left knee while scrambling.
Taylor starts, shines at middle linebacker
Rookie Tony Taylor, an undrafted rookie from Georgia, started at middle linebacker, a sign that he has secured the backup job behind starter Keith Brooking. Taylor has been working as the No. 2 middle linebacker for most of training camp, but third-year veteran Jordan Beck received his most extensive playing time of the preseason in Monday night's victory over Cincinnati.
Taylor, the defensive signal caller, made back-to-back plays — the first a huge hit on Willis McGahee, the second a breakup of a pass intended for former Georgia running back Musa Smith to force a punt.
Mallard pressures Ravens quarterback
Defensive lineman Josh Mallard, who has spent time at tackle and end during the preseason, made a strong move to wrap up a roster spot. On a third-and-7 from Baltimore's 47 in the second quarter, Mallard slipped a double-team and flushed Kyle Boller out of the pocket. The pass was incomplete. Mallard later caused a Musa Smith fumble that was recovered by Chauncey Davis. In less than three quarters, Mallard has two sacks and three quarterback hurries.
Mallard had four sacks and two forced fumbles in spot duty for the Falcons last season.