Falcons re-sign veteran to bolster defensive line

The Falcons announced on Tuesday that the club is re-signing veteran defensive lineman Joe Gaziano.

This news follows a move that came on Monday of Atlanta parting ways with veteran running back Godwin Igwebuike. Gaziano was waived prior to the team’s season opener.

The Falcons initially brought up Igwebuike, who should revert to the practice squad, because of Cordarrelle Patterson’s injury, which kept him out of the Week 1 contest. It seems Patterson is healthy, hence the decision to waive Igwebuike.

Gaziano is a veteran defensive lineman who spent three seasons with the Chargers, appearing in 21 games, including 14 in 2021. He’s totaled 22 tackles, a sack and a pass breakup.

If an injury arises along the defensive front, he should have a significant role. The Falcons have rotated often in that facet, splitting time 2:1 between the starters and reserves.

This move comes ahead of the Falcons Week 2 matchup against the Packers at home. Green Bay is coming off an impressive win over the Bears in which the young Cheeseheads flexed their muscles on defense and showcased the next era of Packers football — Jordan Love.

It’ll be a great litmus test for the Falcons, who also have playoff aspirations in 2023. Atlanta is currently a slight home underdog as both clubs deal with injuries. Jeff Okudah and Cordarrelle Patterson are banged up, while Quay Walker, Aaron Jones, and Christian Watson deal with injuries of their own.

It should be an exciting matchup and is one the Falcons would love to win for momentum purposes heading into Week 3 against a feisty Lions squad.

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