FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn confirmed the team has signed veteran kicker Shayne Graham with Matt Bryant nursing a quad injury, as first reported by ESPN Insider Adam Schefter.
Bryant strained his quad during Wednesday’s practice. Graham and Billy Cundiff both worked out for the team, but Graham was signed.
Quinn didn’t immediately rule Bryant out for this Sunday’s matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. Bryant missed a field goal in last week’s 24-21 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and is 14 of 18 on field goals this season.
"As we go through the week, what we’ll do is if Matt’s available to play, we will. If not, then we’ll go with Shayne," Quinn said. "Shayne will practice with us today."
The 37-year-old Graham, who entered the league in 2001 with the Buffalo Bills, made 19 of 22 field goals with the New Orleans Saints last season, including a long of 50 yards.
To make room for Graham on the roster, the Falcons waived linebacker Joplo Bartu.
In other injury news, Quinn said he is leaning toward not playing running back Devonta Freeman this Sunday as Freeman continues to recover from a concussion. Freeman and wide receiver Leonard Hankerson (hamstring) will be held out of practice for the second consecutive day Thursday.
