Atlanta Falcons sign defensive end Steven Means, place S Neal on IR

Defensive end Steven Means signed with the Atlanta Falcons to fill the roster spot created when safety Keanu Neal was placed on injured reserve Monday.

The Falcons also signed linebacker Corey Nelson, as Deion Jones deals with a foot injury, and safety Keith Tandy. Cornerback Deante Burton and long-snapper Jeff Overbaugh were waived to make room for Nelson and Tandy.

Neal suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the Sept. 6 season opener at Philadelphia.

Means was one of the final players cut by the Philadelphia Eagles and could contribute to the defensive line rotation with the Falcons. A fifth-round pick in 2013, Means made previous stops with the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before joining the Eagles.

Second-year pro-Damontae Kazee replaced Neal and figures to move into the starting lineup. Kazee opened eyes with a strong preseason and also delivered a big play in Thursday's game when his hit on Philadelphia tight end Dallas Goedert dislodged the ball and led to an interception by Deion Jones.

Neal was a Pro Bowl selection in 2017 and has played 31 games with the Falcons since he was a first-round pick in 2016.

Head coach Dan Quinn said Friday the Falcons would consider bringing in another safety, including free agent Eric Reid. Tandy, 29, played in 84 games (15 starts) over the last six seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.