Falcons SLB Stephen Nicholas was inactive in Week 3 after tweaking his calf in Friday's practice. Veteran Mike Peterson took Nicholas' place in the starting lineup. Nicholas' status for Week 4 is unknown. He had seven tackles and a forced fumble in the first two games.

Stephen Nicholas has beaten out veteran Mike Peterson for the strong-side linebacker job. The Falcons are going with Curtis Lofton in the middle, Sean Weatherspoon on the weak side and Nicholas. At age 35, Peterson is best suited as a fourth linebacker anyway. By retaining Nicholas and adding Ray Edwards this offseason, the Falcons have developed a strong front seven.

Falcons agreed to terms with OLB Stephen Nicholas on a five-year deal. So much for that talk Nicholas would end up with the Giants. One of the best coverage linebackers available heads back to Atlanta where he'll likely start on the strong side.

According to the Newark Star-Ledger, free agent OLB Stephen Nicholas will not be a Giant. Star-Ledger reporter Mike Garafolo was "pumping the breaks" in Nicholas-to-New York rumors Monday, and says he's now "slammin' em." It sounds like the Nicholas camp just used the Giants in an attempt to drive up the player's market value. Justin Durant is generating more substantive interest at this point.

Free agent LB Stephen Nicholas is expected to land with the Giants, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Nicholas will hit the market as one of the better cover linebackers available. He'd fit nicely on the strong side of the Giants' 4-3, where he'd likely beat out Clint Sintim for the starting gig. Nicholas has also been linked to the Broncos, Lions and Jaguars this offseason.

Free agent LB Stephen Nicholas now says there is a "big" chance he'll end up re-signing with the Falcons. "We just want to see what's out there, I'm pretty sure they respect that," Nicholas said. "They're a great organization. They definitely want the best for me." One of the better 4-3 coverage linebackers last season, Nicholas has been connected to the Broncos, Lions, and Jaguars this offseason.