Flowery Branch, GA (Best E Casino) - The Atlanta Falcons signed free agent offensive tackle Wayne Gandy on Wednesday to help fill in on their depleted offensive line.

Gandy played with the Falcons in 2006 and 2007, starting all 21 games he played with the club before tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in 2007. The 37-year-old has appeared in 212 career games, 205 as a starter, for the St. Louis Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints and Atlanta.

The move was necessitated by the hip injury that has sidelined starting left tackle Sam Baker. Regular backup Todd Weiner is battling knee problems.

Also on Wednesday the Falcons signed defensive tackle J'Vonne Parker to the practice squad, and released tight end Jason Rader and defensive end Sean Conover from the practice squad.