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ATLANTA -- Here's the official list of inactives for the Falcons: Quarterback Matt Ryan, cornerback Chris Houston, running back Michael Turner, fullback Verron Haynes, guard Harvey Dahl, tight end Jason Rader, tight end Justin Peelle and defensive tackle Trey Lewis.

There were a whole bunch of minor transactions around the NFC South on Tuesday. Here’s a quick roundup.

The Saints signed cornerback Marcus McCauley and waived cornerback Chris McAlister. The Saints also placed linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar on injured reserve. The summary on this one is that McAlister, who the Saints signed a couple weeks ago, was really old and it showed when he had to play. McCauley’s nothing special and didn’t live up to his status as a third-round pick in 2007 by Minnesota, but he can at least move.

The Falcons signed running back Verron Haynes and tight end Jason Rader and released receiver Troy Bergeron while placing linebacker Tony Gilbert on injured reserve. Nothing major here, Haynes has bounced on and off the roster this year. Rader was with the Falcons last year and was in training camp this summer.

As expected, the Bucs went ahead and placed return man Clifton Smith on injured reserve after his second concussion of the season. They filled his roster spot by elevating running back Kareem Huggins from the practice squad. Look for rookie receiver Sammie Stroughter to take over the return duties.

A couple of Saturday evening notes for you.

First, Jim Bates, who was removed from his role as defensive coordinator this week, did not travel with the Buccaneers to Atlanta. Coach Raheem Morris said Friday he expected Bates to make the trip. Morris also said Bates has been breaking down film this week. But the Bucs said Saturday evening that Bates did not travel with the team. Although the Bucs have said they want Bates to remain in some sort of consulting role for the rest of the season, this may be a sign that he won’t go along with that.

Second, the Falcons made a roster move Saturday afternoon. They released fullback Verron Haynes and signed receiver Troy Bergeron from the practice squad.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

NEW ORLEANS -- Just got word that injured Atlanta running backs Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling will not be active for tonight’s game.

That leaves the Falcons with starting running back Michael Turner and Aaron Stecker, who was signed last week, as their only running backs.

The Falcons will activate Ovie Mughelli, who had been out with an injury, and Verron Haynes will be his backup. Haynes also could be used as a backup running back.

Also, defensive tackle Thomas Johnson will be inactive. Trey Lewis and Vance Walker are expected to share his duties.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

As I reported earlier on our news side, the Atlanta Falcons have added running back/return man Aaron Stecker.

Not sure exactly what the implications of this roster move are, but I think it’s safe to assume the Falcons believe either backup running back/return man Jerious Norwood or fullback Ovie Mughelli will be out for an extended period. Or maybe even both of them will be out for a while.

Norwood and Mughelli both sat out Sunday’s game in Dallas and that left the Falcons thin on backfield depth. Jason Snelling had to serve as the top backup to Michael Turner at running back and Verron Haynes at fullback.

Adding Stecker gives the Falcons a lot more flexibility in the backfield and another option in the return game.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

Time for a quick update on the most significant injuries around the NFC South.

Atlanta running back Jerious Norwood (hip) is doubtful and fullback Ovie Mughelli (calf) is questionable. I’m thinking they both will be out and Jason Snelling will have to swing back and forth between being the backup to Michael Turner at running back and Verron Haynes at fullback.

The Bucs are listing return man Clifton Smith (concussion) and receiver Michael Clayton (hamstring) as questionable. Look for rookie Sammie Stroughter to handle return duties if Smith doesn’t play. Stroughter and Maurice Stovall will be in the mix for more playing time if Clayton can’t go.

The Panthers list linebacker Thomas Davis (hamstring) as questionable. If he can’t play, either Landon Johnson or James Anderson will get the start.

New Orleans linebacker Scott Fujita (calf) is questionable. It looks like Troy Evans probably will start in his place.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

Time for a checkup on the most important injuries in the NFC South.

Get ready to see a lot of Jason Snelling in the Atlanta backfield on Sunday. Fullback Ovie Mughelli and running back Jerious Norwood each missed their second straight day of practice and it doesn’t look promising that either will play against the Cowboys. Also, starting running back Michael Turner was limited again in practice by a chest injury. Turner should be all right to play, but Snelling probably will be his primary backup and also be the backup fullback if Verron Haynes has to start in Mughelli’s place.

The Panthers had what could be a significant injury pop up Thursday. Linebacker Thomas Davis, who practiced Wednesday, sat out Thursday with a hamstring injury. Naturally, coach John Fox wouldn’t give any indication of how serious the injury is. But Davis is Carolina’s leading tackler and there would be a drop-off if he can’t play. It’s likely the Panthers would turn to either James Anderson or Dan Connor.

New Orleans linebacker Scott Fujita sat out a second straight day of practice with a calf injury. It’s looking more and more like Troy Evans, who filled in after Fujita was injured against the Giants, could get a start against the Dolphins.

Return man Clifton Smith returned to practice on a limited basis after sitting out Wednesday. Smith had a concussion when he was hit by Carolina’s Dante Wesley on Sunday.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

Time for a quick run through the most significant injuries in the NFC South. Surprisingly, as we approach midseason, there aren’t that many of note.

As expected Tampa Bay return man/running back Clifton Smith was out after suffering a concussion during Sunday’s big hit by Carolina’s Dante Wesley. Look for Smith to be out at least one game and look for rookie Sammie Stroughter to handle return duties. The other injury of note is that defensive tackle Chris Hovan sat out with an ankle injury. Not sure how significant the injury is and Hovan’s nearing the end of the road, but the possibility of being without a starter is not good news as the Bucs get ready for the Patriots.

The Falcons may have to do some shuffling in the backfield as they prepare for Dallas. Jerious Norwood (hip) and Ovie Mughelli (calf) sat out practice and starting running back Michael Turner (chest) was limited. We’ll assume Turner will be ready to go, but the Falcons may have to start Verron Haynes at fullback and let Jason Snelling be the top backup at both running back and fullback.

No surprise that New Orleans linebacker Scott Fujita (calf) sat out. The injury looked somewhat serious when it happened Sunday. Troy Evans filled in for Fujita on Sunday and it looks like he’ll get the start against Miami on Sunday. Tight end Jeremy Shockey (shoulder) was limited, but the veteran might have been just getting a little rest.

Carolina remained relatively healthy, but kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd (ankle) did not practice. If he can’t kick, punter Jason Baker or field goal kicker John Kasay would have to handle kickoffs.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

Told you I’d be back once the Falcons sent out their injury report. They just did and there’s nothing definitive on fullback Ovie Mughelli, who hasn’t practiced all week due to a calf injury.

The Falcons are listing Mughelli as questionable. Since he hasn’t practiced, I’m thinking there’s a good chance Mughelli won’t play against the Bears. If he doesn’t, the Falcons are likely to split his duties between Verron Haynes and Jason Snelling, who is a tailback, but can play some fullback.

The Falcons have declared safety Antoine Harris out for Sunday. Cornerback Brian Williams didn’t practice Friday and is listed as questionable, but Mike Smith said he didn’t expect this injury to be an issue. Kicker Jason Elam and receiver Marty Booker are both listed as probable.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

Atlanta fullback Ovie Mughelli sat out a second straight day of practice with a calf injury. That’s not a good sign as the Falcons face a crucial game with the Bears on Sunday.

Mughelli might be the biggest unsung hero on Atlanta’s offense. He doesn’t get much attention, but his blocking is critical. If Mughelli can’t play Sunday, there will be a big drop-off.

Jason Snelling got some work at fullback after Mughelli was injured in San Francisco. But Snelling is primarily a tailback, although he has the size to be an effective blocker at fullback. The other option is Verron Haynes. He was inactive at San Francisco, but might get the start because he has more practice time at fullback.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

Time to check in on the most significant injuries around the NFC South as teams returned to practice Wednesday.

New Orleans defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy returned for a full practice Wednesday. That’s a pretty strong sign Clancy could be ready for Sunday’s showdown with the Giants. Clancy’s been dealing with a right knee injury since hurting it in the season opener. Another injury to keep an eye on: Guard Jahri Evans sat out practice with turf toe. We’ll see how this plays out as the week goes on, but the Saints really need Evans, who, very quietly, has become one of the league’s best guards.

The Falcons continue to have a very light injury report and the only thing significant on today’s is that fullback Ovie Mughelli didn’t practice because of a calf injury. If he can’t go Sunday, Verron Haynes would be the logical fill-in, but reserve tailback Jason Snelling also has the size to play fullback.

Tampa Bay receiver Antonio Bryant believes limited practice time is part of the reason for his slow start. He’s going to try to practice more and his plan includes getting his knee drained earlier in the week. Bryant participated in Wednesday’s practice on a limited basis.

Carolina held running back Jonathan Stewart (Achilles tendon) out of practice. But it sounds like that was precautionary and was due more to a wet field than any problems for Stewart.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

SAN FRANCISCO -- Just got the inactives for the Falcons and there are no surprises.

Cornerback Tye Hill, fullback Verron Haynes, safety Antoine Harris, linebacker Spencer Adkins, offensive lineman Quinn Ojinnaka, offensive lineman Garrett Reynolds and defensive tackle Vance Walker are inactive. John Parker Wilson is the third quarterback.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

ATLANTA – Just got the inactive lists for the Panthers and Falcons and there are a couple of items that are worthy of noting -- pretty much all on the Carolina side.

Matt Moore is listed as the backup quarterback, and newly signed A.J. Feeley is the inactive third quarterback, presumably because he hasn’t had enough time to learn the playbook. Carolina also is going to be without two injured defensive starters.

Defensive tackle Nick Hayden and safety Chris Harris are inactive. The other inactives for Carolina are: Tyrell Sutton, C.J. Wilson, Garry Williams, Duke Robinson and Hilee Taylor.

Atlanta’s inactives are: Tye Hill, Verron Haynes, Spencer Adkins, Garrett Reynolds, Quinn Ojinnaka and Trey Lewis. John Parker Wilson is the third quarterback.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

A few quick hits before I get started on a column analyzing Carolina’s quarterback crisis.

First, on the Carolina front, we can report that the Panthers have at least done some exploratory work on A.J. Feeley. Not saying yet they’re going to sign him because the Eagles also are interested, but his name’s on the list for now. Also, the concern with Carolina backup quarterback Josh McCown is more with his injured foot than with his knee. He’s being examined by Dr. Robert Anderson, who is part of the Panthers’ medical staff and is known as one of the nation’s top foot specialists.

Next, the Falcons re-signed fullback Verron Haynes, who they released last week. They also released defensive back Glenn Sharpe from the practice squad.

Finally, Saints coach Sean Payton said he’s heard no update on the possible suspensions of defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant. He said the Saints will continue with their normal preparations and leave any decision up to the league.

"We’re not in a position to push," Payton said. "We just wait. It’s something that is entirely in their hands. With that being said, we just have to plan with what we know we have right now and then react if something different happens. That’s going to be our approach for this week as well."

Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas

The Falcons turned to a veteran player Wednesday to add some depth in their backfield. Verron Haynes, who spent the last six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was signed by Atlanta.

It's a homecoming for Haynes, who grew up in Sandy Springs, Ga. and played at the University of Georgia. It also is a chance for Haynes to reunite with offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, who was in the same role with the Steelers for the first two seasons Haynes was in Pittsburgh.

The Falcons are set with Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood as their top two running backs, but Haynes, who also can play special teams, has a shot as the No. 3 back. The Falcons released Troy Bergeron to make room for Haynes.