The Atlanta Falcons have signed former Jacksonville quarterback Byron Leftwich in an effort to sew up the spot left vacant by Michael Vick, who was suspended indefinitely after pleading guilty to dogfighting. Joey Harrington has run the offense for the first two games of the season, both losses, but coach Bobby Petrino has been unhappy with his performance. Leftwich is now expected to vie for the starting spot.
Leftwich, the seventh overall pick in 2003, was cut by Jacksonville after a poor pre-season that saw him throw for 226 yards and a touchdown in three games. His career has been marred by injury, particularly a bad ankle that kept him out 10 games last year. (More Atlanta Falcons stories.)