The Atlanta Falcons, who await the return of starting weakside linebacker Justin Durant off an elbow injury, added some depth at inside linebacker with the signing of veteran Philip Wheeler.
Wheeler,who played his college ball at Georgia Tech, was a third-round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts back in 2008. The 6-2, 245-pounder has 60 career starts with the Colts, Oakland Raiders, and his last team, the Miami Dolphins. Wheeler has 493 combined tackles. 5.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in his career.
Although coach Dan Quinn said Durant could return to full practice Wednesday after missing the last two games with ligament damage in his elbow, the signing of Wheeler could be added insurance in case Durant is not ready to return just yet.