Team news: Atlanta Falcons | Page 40

Redskins QB Robert Griffin III suffered a mild concussion during the third quarter of the Redskins’ 24-17 loss to the Falcons, according to coach Mike Shanahan.

On a third and goal play from the Atlanta three, the rookie quarterback scrambled to his right and got hit by linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. Griffin was slow getting up and had to be helped to the sideline.

A team spokesman said that Griffin was going to leave the stadium and go home. Per the NFL concussion protocol he will have to pass a baseline test and get cleared by an independent doctor before he can return to practice.

Kirk Cousins completed 5-of-9 passes for 111 yards for one TD and two interceptions.

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said rookie Kirk Cousins will QB the third unit on Thursday.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, representing Detroit in his Tigers cap, looked strong in his first public passing display since undergoing shoulder surgery in January.

“It felt good,” Stafford said of his shoulder. “It was fun. We just had a good time out here today — nothing too crazy, just fooling around a little bit. It’s good to be back here at Sanford Stadium in front of these great fans. This was a great turnout and a great day to be out here.”

Up against fellow Georgia quarterback legends and NFL veterans Eric Zeier, David Greene and D.J. Shockley, Stafford threw 12 passes in the competition and turned in the top score in two of the three events.

His most impressive showing ca

The Atlanta Falcons today released 13 players to reach the NFL’s mandatory 53-man roster limit.

“Today is never an easy day for anyone in the organization,” said Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff. “With that said however, we are pleased with our roster heading into the 2009 campaign. Our staff did a tremendous job of evaluating the entire team throughout the offseason, which included mini-camp, OTAs, training camp and preseason games.”

Players that were released include wide receiver Troy Bergeron, running back Thomas Brown, offensive lineman Michael Butterworth, wide receiver Robert Ferguson, linebacker Robert James, wide receiver Aaron Kelly, defensive end Maurice Lucas, cornerback William Middleton, tight end Jason Rader, quarterback D.J. Shockley, offensive guard Jose Valdez, defensive tackle Vance Walker and linebacker Jamie Winborn.

The Falcons have released quarterback D.J. Shockley.

Falcons backup quarterback D.J. Shockley might have blown a major opportunity to establish himself in the NFL on Friday night.

He entered the game in relief of Matt Ryan and got to play with the first-team offensive line in the second quarter.

He nearly had two passes intercepted and did have one intercepted by St. Louis linebacker James Laurinaitis that led to Rams scoring a field goal.

Shockley played three series and was 2-of-6 for seven yards and one interception. The offense picked up only one first down while Shockley was in the game, and that was on a 14-yard run by Norwood.

The Falcons signed tight end Marcus Pollard; signed cornerback
Darius Vinnett and offensive lineman Michael Butterworth to the
practice squad.

4for4 reports: Falcons inactives: QB D.J. Shockley (3rd),
WR Laurent Robinson, CB Brent Grimes, CB Glenn Sharpe, LB
Tony Gilbert, T Wayne Gandy, C Alex Stepanovich and DE
Simon Fraser.

4for4 reports: Falcons inactives: C Alex Stepanovich,
QB D.J. Shockley, CB David Irons, S Thomas DeCoud, LT
Sam Baker, DL Simon Frazier, LB Tony Gilbert, WR
Laurent Robinson.

4for4 reports: Falcons inactives: QB D.J. Shockley (3rd), WR
Laurent Robinson, FS
Thomas DeCoud, CB David Irons, LB Tony Gilbert, C Alex
Stepanovich, T Quinn
Ojinnaka and DT Jason Jefferson.