The Atlanta Falcons, who await the return of starting weakside linebacker Justin Durant off an elbow injury, added some depth at inside linebacker with the signing of veteran Philip Wheeler.

Wheeler,who played his college ball at Georgia Tech, was a third-round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2008. The 6-foot-2, 245-pounder has 60 career starts with the Colts, Oakland Raiders, and his last team, the Miami Dolphins. Wheeler has 493 combined tackles, 5.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in his career.

Although coach Dan Quinn said Durant could return to full practice Wednesday after missing the last two games with ligament damage in his elbow, Wheeler's signing could be added insurance in case Durant is not ready to return just yet. Middle linebacker Paul Worrilow and weakside linebacker Joplo Bartu are currently the inside tandem in the base defense.

Wheeler is known as a big hitter, so he could have some special teams value as well. Bartu, who showed some flashes last week against New Orleans, doesn't bring much special teams value.

To make room for Wheeler on the 53-man roster, the Falcons released veteran safety Charles Godfrey. Godfrey's release also could mean starting free safety Ricardo Allen is fully healthy coming off a medial collateral ligament sprain in his left knee. Godfrey was re-signed as insurance after the Houston game as Allen suffered the injury.