"The Falcons released three veterans — defensive end Chauncey Davis, linebacker Coy Wire and defensive tackle Trey Lewis — and 14 other players on Friday. The team needs to release 10 more players to cut down to the mandatory roster of 53 by 4 p.m. on Saturday.

"There [were] a lot of guys fighting for roster spots," Falcons coach Mike Smith said after the Ravens' game.

Smith admitted that there were just a handful of spots open. Running back Antone Smith, who ran for 114 yards on 11 carries and caught two passes for 42 yards against the Ravens, made a strong case for a roster spot.

"We obviously saw some guys step up," Smith said. "We saw some guys that didn't necessarily take care of business. We've got a bunch of decisions to make. Over the next 48 hours that's what we'll be doing. We will be spending our time to put our 53 guys together, to put our roster together to open this 2011 season."

The team plans to cut in stages and some veterans were let go in stage one.

The team also waived tight end Marquez Branson, fullback Lucas Cox, center Paul Fenaroli, safety Matt Hansen, wide receiver Brandyn Harvey, running back Gartrell Johnson, defensive end Tom McCarthy, cornerback Kamaal McIlwain, center Ryan McMahon, safety Rafael Priest, defensive end Kiante Tripp, safety Suaesi Tuimaunei and linebacker Bear Woods.

The Falcons also reached an injury settlement with wide receiver Andy Strickland."