Falcons Lose Second-Round Pick William Moore for Season

On Tuesday the Atlanta Falcons placed 2009 second-round draft pick William Moore on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

Moore, who Atlanta thought would be ready to immediately help at safety from day one, has been battling injuries since training camp. The 55th-overall selection from Missouri had knee surgery at the beginning of camp, only to recover and hurt his hamstring shortly thereafter. Moore battled through two hamstring tweaks this season before finally succumbing to the final blow that landed the 24-year-old on the injured reserve list.

Moore's move to the injured reserve comes almost five weeks after the Falcons were forced to place 2009 first-round selection Peria Jerry on the IR with a season-ending knee injury.

The injuries to Jerry and Moore mark the second season in a row that the Atlanta Falcons have had early-round draft picks suffer significantly from health issues. In 2008, first-round selection Sam Baker started five games at left tackle before surgery to remove herniated disc material forced him to miss almost two months of play.

To fill Moore's vacant roster spot, the Falcons have signed Aaron Stecker to help the depleted running back corps. Fullback Ovie Mughelli and Jerious Norwood have both been injured and missed time. Stecker, who has 381 carries for 1,511 yards and eight touchdowns in his nine year career, will add needed depth. Stecker should also help the Falcons on special teams as well.