Former number one overall pick offensive tackle Jake Long, who has been ravaged by injuries in the past few years, will have another shot in the National Football League (NFL) as the Atlanta Falcons signed him to a one-year deal.
"Just another opportunity to continue to compete. Look forward to having Jake here," Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said in a conference.
Long got Quinn's respect when he expressed to the Falcons coach his desire to compete.
"So, we're excited to have him here; get him up to speed as fast as we can. And then we'll kind of cross that bridge in terms of where and [when] after that," Quinn also stated.
Long is already cleared to play after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during his seventh and last game for the St. Louis Rams last season.
But Quinn does not expect the 30-year-old footballer to play in their Week 2 game on Sept. 20 against the New York Giants, who were also interested in Long during the free agency.
According to ESPN, Long ended the last four seasons on the injured reserve but was a starter in all 96 games he played in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins and the Rams.
Once Long plays for Atlanta, Quinn said he will first be a backup to starting left tackle Jake Matthews then will move to the right tackle position where Ryan Schraeder starts, ESPN added.
The Falcons needed to clear some room following the signing of Long; that is why safety Charles Godfrey was released.
Long's experience and veteran leadership will be his biggest contribution to the Falcons who are looking to return to the playoffs after missing it for the past two seasons.
The Falcons are on the right track after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in their season opener at home.
