Motta (neck) will begin the regular season on the physically unable to preform list, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Motta started training camp on the physically unable to preform list, and it appears that his injury hasn't progressed as much as the team had hoped. He underwent an operation back in December to repair a fractured C4 vertebrae in his neck, but his recovery timetable was projected to be 4-6 weeks. Something is clearly still up with his neck, and the Falcons will have to do without his services for the first six weeks of the regular season.

Falcons S Zeke Motta (neck) has a follow-up appointment set for next month that will determine if he'll be able to play this season. Motta suffered a cervical fracture in his neck on December 8. The second-year safety doesn't play much on defense, but is a stalwart on the Falcons' kick coverage units. His availability for training camp is obviously in question.

ESPN Falcons reporter Vaughn McClure reports S Zeke Motta's (neck) status for the 2014 season "is unclear." Motta hurt his neck in a December spot start and underwent surgery to repair a cervical fracture. His initial timetable was 4-6 weeks, but it's now been six months with no return date in sight. Coach Mike Smith said they hope to have Motta back for training camp. The second-year safety is a special teams cog.

Falcons coach Mike Smith said the team expects to be without second-year S Zeke Motta during the team's offseason program but hopes to have the second-year safety back for training camp. Motta is recovering from December surgery to repair a cervical fracture in his neck. The original timetable for return was 4-6 weeks, so the fact that Motta has yet to be cleared raises some red flags, though the Falcons' could just be using caution. Motta will be asked to contribute on special teams if healthy.

Falcons placed S Zeke Motta on injured reserve with a neck injury, ending his season.

Falcons rookie S Zeke Motta will get the start at free safety in place on Thomas DeCoud (concussion) versus the Redskins. The Falcons will be starting three rookies in the defensive backfield -- Motta, CB Robert Alford, and CB Desmond Trufant. Motta is a pure run-stopping safety at 6-foot-2, 213 pounds. He clocked in at 4.83 seconds in the 40-yard dash last February. Kirk Cousins has a dream matchup for his first start of 2013.

Falcons agreed to terms with No. 244 overall pick S Zeke Motta on a four-year contract. One of the last 11 picks of the draft, Motta is a well-built 6-foot-2, 213 pounds, but lumbered to a 4.83 in the 40-yard dash. Stiff hipped, he's a pure run stopper. Motta will have to pay his dues on special teams before appearing on defense if he makes the 53-man roster.