FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Falcons have signed linebacker Sean Weatherspoon and waived defensive lineman Joe Vellano.
With rookie linebacker Duke Riley dealing with a knee injury and is reportedly set to have surgery, Atlanta signed Weatherspoon for depth at linebacker.
Weatherspoon was Atlanta's first-round pick in the 2010 draft and spent five seasons with the team. He then went on to spend time with the Arizona Cardinals (2015) before re-signing with the Falcons in the 2016 season where he suffered a torn Achilles that placed him on injured reserve.
The veteran linebacker brings leadership and familiarity with the Falcons' defensive scheme.
The Falcons also made a couple of practice squad moves by signing defensive lineman Taniela Tupou and waiving defensive lineman Jonathan Woodard.