The Atlanta Falcons today announced that they have signed linebacker A.J. Hawk to the active roster and punter Michael Palardy to the practice squad. The team released linebacker O'Brien Schofield and waived linebacker Davis Tull off the practice squad. Also, the Falcons have placed linebacker Sean Weatherspoon on injured reserve (achillies).
Hawk was originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He spent nine years with the Packers and posted 628 total tackles in 142 games. He also recorded 19 sacks, nine interceptions, five fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles. Last season, Hawk saw action in 16 games with the Cincinnati Bengals and recorded 16 total tackles.
Palardy was originally signed by the Oakland Raiders as a college free agent in 2014 out of Tennessee. He was recently with the Cleveland Browns.
Schofield was signed by the Falcons last offseason and was productive on the field during the 2015 season. He played in all 16 games, with 10 starts and tallied 28 total tackles (22 solo), two sacks, and one forced fumble. He saw action in two games this season for the team.
Tull was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round (148th overall) in the 2015 draft. He was signed onto the Falcons practice squad earlier during the year.
Weatherspoon saw action in four games this season in his return with the Falcons, starting in three of those games and recording 21 total tackles.
