Atlanta Falcons reportedly sign offensive tackle Sean Locklear

Sep 30, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants tackle Sean Locklear (75) walks off the field after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.The Eagles defeated The Giants 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

When the Falcons placed starting left tackle Sam Baker on injured reserve on Tuesday, the team plainly stated that there would be a corresponding roster move, and that looks to be coming to fruition on Wednesday.

There is very little in the way of detail at this point with regard to the signing of Sean Locklear, but the picture tweeted by D. Orlando Ledbetter (of Locklear’s new locker) is pretty clear evidence of his new employment.

Locklear is a 32-year-old tackle who was drafted in 2004 by the Seahawks, and he has also appeared in games with both the New York Giants and Washington Redskins. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound lineman was last seen in the NFL during the 2012 season with the Giants, where he appeared in 12 games (starting 9 of them) at each of the tackle spots. However, the reason for his lack of NFL employment this season is likely tied to a serious right knee injury suffered in early December, and his health is something to monitor once we see him on the field.

It’s unclear at this point whether the Falcons are looking to Locklear as a potential starter down the stretch or simply for another body that is available to provide depth. In my view, the Falcons should simply plan to take a long look at Lamar Holmes for the rest of this season (because the standings virtually don’t matter anymore), and too much playing time for Locklear could get in the way of that picture.

Welcome to Atlanta, Sean.