Report: Falcons claim C Gino Gradkowski off waivers

Per Adam Caplan, the Falcons have claimed center Gino Gradkowski off waivers.

#Falcons claimed C Gino Gradkowski off waivers from #Broncos, a source said.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) September 7, 2015

It's kind of an unexpected move, since the roster stood at 53 prior to this transaction. A corresponding roster move should follow shortly, and it's difficult to know what to expect the team to do here. Waiving James Stone or Joe Hawley is a possibility, as I wouldn't expect the team to carry three centers. Another possible outcome would be for the team to keep Stone as a backup guard and to place someone on injured reserve with a designation to return.

Gradkowski was the starting center for the Ravens throughout 2013 and appeared in 40 games for Baltimore between 2012 and 2014. Gradkowski joined Gary Kubiak in Denver and was expected to win the starting center role with the Broncos. He did not.

Gradkowski has plenty of experience in Kubiak's zone blocking scheme, which should make him a reasonable fit in Atlanta, even though we don't yet know what his role will be.

Your thoughts on this acquisition?