Falcons released TE Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez apparently never filed his retirement papers. In theory, it's just a formality, but Gonzalez would now be free to sign with any team if he got the comeback itch. Gonzalez has insisted he's committed to his new job at CBS' NFL Today, but there won't be any bureaucratic hoops to jump through if he decides he still has some football left in him.

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff answered "No" when asked at the Combine if he'll recruit Tony Gonzalez to come out of retirement. Perhaps Dimitroff will keep an open mind should Gonzalez approach him during the season or closer to training camp, but he won't be aggressive in attempting to lure the 38-year-old back out of retirement. Gonzalez has already accepted a job working as a game-day analyst for CBS' NFL Today. Deep Dynasty owners can hang on for a little while longer, but it probably won't pay off.

Tony Gonzalez insists that he'll remain retired after accepting a position with CBS' NFL Today. Gonzalez had previously left the door open for a 2014 return, but now says he'll see things through with his television job. Gonzalez also said he doesn't plan to hold back as an analyst. "I'll address (issues) as I see fit," Gonzalez said. "I have no problem talking about (things). I think I'll be able to give an interesting perspective." Gonzalez's "retirement" has taken on an air of "believe it when you see it," but we'd ultimately be surprised if he took the field in 2014.

Tony Gonzalez has been hired by CBS as an NFL Today studio analyst. Gonzalez is replacing Dan Marino and Shannon Sharpe, who will no longer be part of the channel's pre-game, halftime and post-game shows. There had been recent rumblings that Gonzalez would return to the field in 2014 for a "stretch run with a contender," but he'll focus on his new gig. The Falcons hold Gonzalez's rights for the upcoming season but have stated all along they don't expect him to play.

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff says he is not counting on Tony Gonzalez playing in 2014. Gonzo recently suggested he'd be open to a late-season return on a contender. "I believe Tony Gonzalez has retired and he'll have a fantastic career in the media business," Dimitroff said. Dimitroff didn't rule out the possibility of welcoming back Gonzalez at a later time. The Falcons signed Gonzo to a two-year, $14 million deal last March and control his rights for 2014.

Tony Gonzalez told ESPN's Doug Gottlieb on Friday that he would be open to returning to the Falcons if they open the season with a 10-0 record. Gonzalez was obviously joking, but he's clearly not given up completely on the idea of playing ball in 2014, hinting at a return twice over the last week. Perhaps by the time training camp starts, the "itch" to play will resurface and Gonzalez will turn in another full year. If Gonzo was dropped in Dynasty leagues, go grab him. He's shaping up as 50:50 to truly retire this offseason.

Appearing on ESPN's NFL Live Thursday, retired TE Tony Gonzalez left open the possibility that he'd sign with a contender for the "stretch run" in 2014. Gonzalez insisted last month that he was "at peace" with his decision to retire, but the fact that he would even entertain such a hypothetical is proof that he's still not quite ready to call it a day for good. Gonzalez looked like a player who could play another two or three seasons in 2013, so this definitely won't be the last you hear about possible return scenarios. We've got a new Favre on our hands.

Tony Gonzalez reiterated at the Pro Bowl that he will not be talked out of retirement. Gonzalez, who turns 38 in February, told the Pro Bowl's pre-game show that he's "at peace" with his decision. Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff got Gonzo to renege on his 2013 retirement pledge, but that doesn't appear in the cards this year. Gonzalez will finish his career ranked second behind only Jerry Rice in receptions (1,325). Only Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Cris Carter, and Marvin Harrison have more career touchdown catches (111).

Tony Gonzalez (toe) is probable for Week 17. It's expected to be his last game as an NFL player.

Tony Gonzalez (toe) remained limited in Thursday's practice. Gonzalez is fully expected to suit up for what will be his final NFL game Sunday. The ageless veteran enters Week 17 with 79 catches for 803 yards and eight touchdowns.