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Atlanta Falcons sign RBs Stevan Ridley, Terron Ward

By The Sports Xchange
Tennessee Titans' Coty Sensabaugh kneels next to New York Jets' Stevan Ridley who reacts after an 11 yard run in the 2nd quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on December 13, 2015. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
Tennessee Titans' Coty Sensabaugh kneels next to New York Jets' Stevan Ridley who reacts after an 11 yard run in the 2nd quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on December 13, 2015. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

The Atlanta Falcons addressed their running back situation by signing Stevan Ridley and Terron Ward on Tuesday.

The Falcons opened up roster spots by releasing veteran linebacker A.J. Hawk and offensive lineman Mike Person.

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Atlanta lost valuable multi-purpose running back Tevin Coleman to a hamstring injury against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday and it hasn't yet been determined how long he will be sidelined. But the signings make it clear he is unlikely to be available for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers.

"We just have to find out the severity of it and find out when his strength can get back," Falcons coach Dan Quinn told reporters. "Let's face it: He is a guy who can haul. He'll need to have full strength for him to do what he does."

Coleman has rushed for 234 yards while back up Devonta Freeman, who ranks eighth in the NFL with 508 rushing yards. Coleman, a second-year pro from Indiana, has a team-best six touchdowns and also had 19 receptions for 330 yards.

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Ridley played four seasons with the New England Patriots from 2011-14 and has since bounced around to the New York Jets, Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts. His best season was in 2012 when he rushed for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Patriots.

Ward was promoted from Atlanta's practice squad. He had 95 yards on 29 rushes for Atlanta in 2015.

The Falcons also signed running back Jhurell Pressley to the practice squad.

Hawk was signed earlier this month by the Falcons and saw action in one game. He spent his first nine seasons with the Green Bay Packers and played for the Cincinnati Bengals last season.

Person played 14 games for Atlanta last season but didn't see any action this season.

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