Atlanta Falcons re-sign D.J. Shockley, seven others to practice squad

D.J. Shockley at May's minicamp, Photo courtesy of Greg Martin

The Atlanta Falcons signed eight players on Sunday to their 2009 practice squad, headlined by quarterback D.J. Shockley. 

Shockley was released on Saturday when the team trimmed it's roster to the league-mandated final 53.

Shockley has played all of his football in the state of Georgia, including high school at North Clayton High School and in college at the University of Georgia. His senior season at Georgia he was named to the first team All-Southeastern Conference team by the Associated Press. He was a seventh-round selection by Atlanta in 2006. He spent his entire rookie season as the team's third quarterback. In 2007 his career suffered a setback when he injured his knee in the preseason, causing him to miss the entire season. In '08 he was again the team's third quarterback.

The remainder of the practice squad consists of wide receiver Troy Bergeron, offensive lineman Michael Butterworth, linebacker Robert James, defensive end Maurice Lucas, cornerback Glenn Sharpe, offensive guard Jose Valdez, and defensive tackle Vance Walker.

Bergeron was signed on May 10, 2009. It was his second stint with the Falcons, his first in 2006 when he joined the team as a free agent for training camp. He spent time that season on the Buffalo Bills practice squad. He also played three seasons in the AFL.

Butterworth joined the team last season before training camp as an undrafted free agent, but was released following training camp. He rejoined the team as a practice-squad signing in December of last year.

James was drafted in the fifth round by Atlanta in 2008. An Arizona State graduate, he was placed on injured reserve prior to the start of last season because of a concussion.

Lucas was signed in April as an undrafted rookie. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado.

Sharpe was signed as a rookie free agent last season and spent much of the season on the practice squad. He was active for the final two games of 2008. 

Valdez is a graduate of the University of Arkansas and joined the team as an undrafted rookie free agent in April.
 

Walker, a Georgia Tech graduate, was drafted in the seventh round of this year's NFL Draft by Atlanta.

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