(Sports Network) - Linebacker Jamie Winborn and quarterback D.J. Shockley were among the 13 players released by the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday, as the team pared its roster to the 53-man maximum.

The journeyman Winborn, who previously served with the Broncos (2007-08), Buccaneers (2006), Jaguars (2005) and 49ers (2001-05), was thought to be competing for a starting job after being acquired as a free agent during the offseason. But the 30-year-old former Vanderbilt standout did not do enough to distinguish himself during the preseason, and was released.

Shockley, the former local star at the University of Georgia, was attempting to make the team as the third quarterback behind Matt Ryan and Chris Redman. But Shockley, who was the inactive third quarterback for all of last season, lost out to undrafted rookie John Parker Wilson, who had been more consistent in preseason action.

Other players released on Saturday were wide receiver Troy Bergeron, running back Thomas Brown, offensive lineman Michael Butterworth, wide receiver Robert Ferguson, linebacker Robert James, wide receiver Aaron Kelly, defensive end Maurice Lucas, cornerback William Middleton, tight end Jason Rader, guard Jose Valdez, and defensive tackle Vance Walker.

Notables among that group include Ferguson, who has 151 NFL catches as a member of the Packers (2001-06) and Vikings (2007-08); Rader, who appeared in six games with the team last season, and 2009 draft choices Middleton (5th Round, Furman) and Walker (7th Round, Georgia Tech).

On Friday, the Falcons released safety Eric Brock, cornerback Glenn Sharpe, offensive tackle Adam Speer, offensive guard Ryan Stanchek, cornerback Tony Tiller, center Ben Wilkerson and wide receiver Chandler Williams.

Atlanta opens the 2009 regular season at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13.



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