The Falcons placed running back Jerious Norwood on injured reserve today after he went down on the opening kickoff of Sunday's 41-7 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Atlanta also terminated the practice squad contract of linebacker Bear Woods and signed RB Gartrell Johnson to the active roster.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons today have placed running back Jerious Norwood on injured reserve with a knee injury and signed running back Gartrell Johnson III to the active roster. The Falcons have also signed running back Shawnbrey McNeal to the practice squad and terminated the practice squad contract of linebacker Bear Woods.
Johnson, 5-foot-10, 219 pounds, was originally drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He was signed by the New York Giants on Sept. 15, 2009 after being waived by the Chargers on Sept. 14, 2009. Johnson carried the ball 13 times for 43 yards in 10 games with the Giants in 2009. The Miami, FL native attended Colorado State, receiving All-Mountain West Conference honors after rushing for 1,476 yards and 12 touchdowns during his senior season.
McNeal, 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, was signed by the Chargers as a rookie free agent on May 10, 2010. He was waived following training camp. McNeal earned honorable mention All-Conference USA after rushing for 1,188 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior at Southern Methodist University in 2009.
Norwood, 5-foot-11, 208 pounds, was drafted by the Falcons in the third round (79th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. He has appeared in 57 games for Atlanta, rushing for 1,995 yards and seven touchdowns on 375 carries. Norwood was injured on the opening kickoff of Sunday's 41-7 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Woods, 6-foot, 233 pounds, was originally signed as a rookie free agent by Atlanta following the 2010 NFL Draft. He was waived as part of the Falcons' final roster cut down and signed to the practice squad following training camp.
