The Atlanta Falcons made some moves in the center position as they released starter Joe Hawley to create a roster spot for Gino Gradkowski, who was claimed off waivers from the Denver Broncos.
Hawley was a fourth-round draft pick by Atlanta in the 2010 National Football League (NFL) Draft. He started in 23 of a total 57 games played for the team.
But last season, he was limited to only four games after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee.
The injury continued to bother Hawley in the preseason but he was able to play as a backup in Atlanta's last preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, WYFF4.com reported.
Despite Hawley's efforts to return, the Falcons decided to release him with still one year remaining in his current contract as the move gave the team $3 million in cap savings, according to ESPN.
Meanwhile, Gradkowski was a fourth-round pick by the Ravens where he played three seasons before being traded to the Broncos last April.
In other Falcons news, rookie running back Tevin Coleman was selected as the starter for their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles this Monday.
Coleman was selected over Devonta Freeman with both players dealing with hamstring injuries at the start of training camp, according to ESPN.
The sports news outlet also reported that Coleman recovered from the injury and was able to play in two of their preseason games, in which he made a strong impression with his good performance.
Despite Coleman starting, the Falcons are hoping the two will help them with rushing, having ranked 24th in the NFL last season.
"It's going to be something special, me and Devonta. When we get healthy and we get back, we're going to be dangerous out there," Coleman said, according to ESPN.
He added that he will just get better working and competing with Freeman, also saying, "We're just going to go out there and do what we do."
