Falcons release Datish, Fonoti; Sign two

By: T. Love

In a series of transactions over the weekend, the Atlanta Falcons released sixth-round pick Doug Datish and unrestricted free-agent signing Toniu Fonoti, while signing C Ben Wilkerson and DB Tony Franklin.

Datish, 6-1, 305 pounds, earned All Big Ten first team honors as a senior at Ohio State. His versatility along the offensive line was his most valuable asset, but a broken wrist in training camp led to his dismissal. There is still a possibility that he could be brought back as a practice squad player. Datish is the first of Atlanta’s 2007 draft class to be cut from the squad.

Fonoti, 6-4, 350 pounds, was signed as an UFA on March 14. His career has been marred by injuries. He was unable to stay healthy in Atlanta’s training camp and head coach Bobby Petrino gave him the pink slip. He has played in 40 games in his career, which began in 2002, with 33 starts.

Wilkerson, 6-4, 305 pounds, comes to the Falcons after spending last season with the Cincinnati Bengals. The move provides depth at the center position behind starter Todd McClure. Wilkerson has seen action in three NFL contests.

Franklin, 5-10, 184 pounds, is a rookie free agent out of Virginia and joins former Cavalier Jason Snelling on the Falcons roster. During his four-year career in Charlottesville, he tallied 208 tackles, 12 pass breakups and six interceptions. This move is a bit of a surprise since the Falcons already have quite a few people battling for playing time in the secondary. The only thing I can conclude is either this kid is one hell of a special teams player or someone else is about to get their walking papers.

The Falcons will make their preseason debut on Friday when they head to the Meadowlands to take on their N.Y. Jets. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET