Todd

McClure

The Falcons have had problems pass protecting through two weeks. Perhaps McClure’s return will help with adjustments at the line of scrimmage. Inactive for the Falcons: DT Jonathan Babineaux, CB Kelvin Hayden, LB Stephen Nicholas, OG Mike Johnson, CB Darrin Walls, C Brett Romberg, DE Cliff Matthews.

McClure aggravated the knee injury that held him out in Weeks 1 and 2 in Atlanta’s win over the Seahawks last Sunday. He’ll be replaced by Joe Hawley, who has been far from dynamic in McClure’s absence.

“Todd has had a great four years since we’ve been here,” head coach Mike Smith said. “I can’t speak to Todd in terms of what his thoughts are moving forward, but he’s been an integral part of what we’ve accomplished. He’s kind of been the cornerstone for our offensive line the last four years.” McClure, 35, is set to become an unrestricted free agent and intends to continue playing. He remains more likely than not to return to the Falcons.

The 13-year veteran could be a short-term replacement for the recently released Jason Brown. McClure has spent his entire career with the Falcons, and graded out as the league’s sixth-best center by Pro Football Focus last season. He has yet to line up a known visit.

McClure had talks with the Rams immediately after the start of free agency, but otherwise drew little interest in a market overfilled with centers. It’s good news for the Falcons, who don’t have to commit to a player who turned 35 in February beyond 2012, and retain someone who was still one of the league’s better centers in 2011. McClure has spent his entire 13-year career in Atlanta.

McClure, turning 35 next month, has never played for a team other than the Falcons. He seems likely to return to Atlanta, though MLB Curtis Lofton, LCB Brent Grimes, and DE John Abraham, and S Thomas DeCoud will be higher on the priority list.

He’s done for the day, suggesting a possible setback with the knee McClure needed surgically repaired during the preseason. Joe Hawley is next in line, and he’s been a big downgrade in performance during previous spot starts.

McClure is 36 years old, and it sounds like he’s played his final down in Atlanta. Konz, the 55th overall pick in last year’s draft, made 12 starts as a rookie right guard, including both playoff games. He was a liability as both a run and pass blocker, but the Falcons believe he will thrive at center.

The Falcons’ starting center since 2000, McClure walks away with 195 career starts under his belt. McClure was still playing at a high level as recently as 2011, but fell back in 2012. He’s probably getting out at the right time.

Datish played all five offensive line positions at Ohio State, so he’s versatile. He should backup Todd McClure in Atlanta.