The Atlanta Falcons today announced that they have signed cornerback Dominique Franks and waived-injured wide receiver Tim Toone.
Franks, 6-0, 197 pounds, was selected as a fifth round (135th overall) draft choice by the Falcons in the 2010 NFL Draft. In two seasons, he has recorded 22 tackles (14 solo) with three interceptions and six passes defensed. Last season, Franks posted 20 tackles (13 solo) with two interceptions and five passes defensed.
Toone, 5-10, 185 pounds, was originally selected by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round (255th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. He spent time with the Lions, Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos as a practice squad player.
Franks was a part of last Friday's final cuts the Falcons had to make to get down to the 53-man roster. An interesting week for the cornerback, to be sure, ends with him back in the Falcons' locker room Thursday morning.
"It's really weird. Sunday, i had a workout with Miami, so I've really just been out of town, doing workouts and things like that," Franks told AtlantaFalcons.com. "That's been it, just going on workouts and being out of town. Luckily, I got the call from Coach Smith (Wednesday) night to come back."
Franks said he wasn't sure what capacity he'd be needed in because he hadn't had a chance to speak to the coaches by mid-Thursday morning. Head coach Mike Smith said earlier this week that he wasn't going to reveal the team's starters Sunday, including the punt return position, which Franks held during the preseason.
