Falcons get to 53; CB Jackson among cuts

Football Betting Lines

09/04/2010 - Flowery Branch, GA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Atlanta Falcons have released 21 players as part of their Saturday "cut-down-day" maneuvers.

Atlanta waived or released tight end Robbie Agnone, wide receiver Troy Bergeron, safety Eric Brock, wide receiver Tim Buckley, safety Rafael Bush, safety Eric Brock, cornerback Dominique Daniels, wide receiver Brandyn Harvey (waived-injured), cornerback Chevis Jackson, linebacker Weston Johnson, fullback Dan Klecko, defensive end Maurice Lucas, running back Dimitri Nance, center Brett Romberg, center Blake Schlueter, wide receiver Andy Strickland, defensive end Emmanuel Stephens, guard Jose Valdez, wide receiver Ryan Wolfe, linebacker Bear Woods and tight end Keith Zinger.

Notables among that group include Jackson, a 2008 third-round pick who appeared in all but one of the Falcons' games over the past two seasons and posted an interception in Atlanta's playoff contest against Arizona two years ago. The LSU product fell victim to a numbers crunch at the cornerback position.

Klecko, a six-year veteran and son of ex-Jets star d-lineman Joe Klecko, had his contract terminated. The younger Klecko is a former member of the Patriots (2003-05), Colts (2006-07) and Eagles (2008).

Romberg joins Jackson in the category of players with Falcons experience to released. The Miami-Florida product and former St. Louis Ram (2006-08) appeared in nine contests with Atlanta last season.

The Falcons open their 2010 regular season on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday.

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El Duque expected to throw Tuesday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday.

Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine.

El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.

MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds. 

Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.

New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele.

Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.''

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