George Close to Ending Falcon Holdout

The Atlanta Falcons have reached an agreement with holdout quarterback Jeff George. Maybe.

The Falcons released a statement saying George had agreed to a one-year, $3.64-million contract and was expected to report to training camp after sitting out 2 1/2 weeks of practice and the first exhibition game last weekend.

However, team officials began backtracking before the day was out, saying George had not actually signed the compromise deal.

“The final deal has not been made or signed,” George’s agent, Leigh Steinberg, said, “but we’re heading in that direction.”

The agent said he wanted to ensure the language in the one-year contract would allow George to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year if a long-term deal can’t be reached.

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New York Giant running back Tyrone Wheatley may have a stress fracture in his left leg and it could sideline him for a few weeks. Dr. Russell Warren, the Giant orthopedic surgeon, will examine the bone scan and make a diagnosis, the team said. . . . The Green Bay Packers traded defensive end Wendell Gaines to the St. Louis Rams for a conditional undisclosed draft choice, the team said. The Packers also announced receiver Ryan Yarborough, acquired last week from the New York Jets, left the team after saying he was “no longer interested in playing professional football.”. . . . Carolina Panther starting outside linebacker Lamar Lathon will miss Saturday’s exhibition game at Denver after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Lathon is expected to return next week.