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Stephen Nicholas | Linebacker

Team: Atlanta Falcons
Age / DOB:  (30) / 5/1/1983
Ht / Wt:  6'3' / 236
College: South Florida
Contract: view contract details
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Recent News

Falcons OLB Stephen Nicholas underwent sports hernia surgery this offseason.
Nicholas is coming off a 2012 campaign that saw him post a career-high 97 tackles while playing in all 16 games. Sports hernia surgeries typically come with a 6-8 week timetable. Nicholas is expected back for late-June minicamps. May 23 - 12:48 PM
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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Date:
Stephen Nicholas - LB - Falcons

Falcons OLB Stephen Nicholas (ankle) played only on special teams in Sunday's win over the Raiders.

Mike Peterson replaced Nicholas in base sets and Akeem Dent was the nickel 'backer. Nicholas now gets the Week 7 bye to recover. Through the first five weeks, Nicholas was averaging 7.8 tackles per game.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 09:45:00 AM
Stephen Nicholas - LB - Falcons

Falcons OLB Stephen Nicholas was limited in Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Week 6.

With Nicholas' status up in the air, it's expected that Mike Peterson takes his spot at SLB in the base defense. It's not safe to assume that either Peterson or MLB Akeem Dent play in the nickel packages, however. Coach Mike Smith suggested earlier in the week that the Falcons may fill his role with a hybrid defensive end. "We’ve got guys that have played his position, a number of guys that have cross trained to play the same position and the dime," Smith said when asked about Nicholas' spot in the subpackages.
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com
Sat, Oct 13, 2012 09:39:00 AM
Stephen Nicholas - LB - Falcons

Falcons OLB Stephen Nicholas suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's win over the Redskins, and will be re-evaluated mid-week.

The planned re-evaluation suggests Nicholas has a shot at suiting up against the Raiders. A full-time starter this season, Nicholas has 39 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception through five games.
Source: Falcons on Twitter
Mon, Oct 8, 2012 02:50:00 PM
Stephen Nicholas - LB - Falcons

The Falcons used their base defense on just 11 plays in the Week 1 win over the Chiefs.

Starting MLB Akeem Dent failed to record a single tackle. The Falcons rolled with their sub-package of two linebackers and three corners the majority of the game, leaving Stephen Nicholas and Sean Weatherspoon to rack up the stats. Nicholas piled up 12 tackles, one interception and two pass breakups. There's plenty of IDP upside here.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 12:39:00 PM
Stephen Nicholas - LB - Falcons

The Falcons consider SLB Stephen Nicholas (knee) "doubtful" to play in the Wild Card round against the Giants.

Nicholas' absence will be felt on run defense, as practice squad-type Spencer Adkins is a significant downgrade. Nicholas' injury may be a slight tear of a knee ligament or a severe sprain. He's made just one appearance since Week 12.
Source: D. Orlando Ledbetter on Twitter
Mon, Jan 2, 2012 03:38:00 PM
Stephen Nicholas - LB - Falcons

Falcons LB Stephen Nicholas exited Thursday's game in the third quarter with a knee injury.

Nicholas had just returned to the lineup after missing last week's game with a shoulder injury. He's questionable to return, but there's no reason to risk it in a 41-0 laugher.
Thu, Dec 15, 2011 10:31:00 PM
Stephen Nicholas - LB - Falcons

Falcons declared LB Stephen Nicholas, CB Brent Grimes, QB John Parker Wilson, CB Kelvin Hayden, C Brett Romberg, OL Kirk Chambers, and DE Cliff Matthews inactive for Week 14 against the Panthers.

Veteran Mike Peterson will replace Nicholas, who injured his shoulder in last week's game. Dominique Franks will fill in for Grimes, which is positive news for the Panthers' aerial attack. Julio Jones (hamstring) and Michael Turner (groin) are active and playing without restrictions.
Sun, Dec 11, 2011 11:39:00 AM
Stephen Nicholas - LB - Falcons

Falcons SLB Stephen Nicholas left Sunday's win over the Vikings in the third quarter with a shoulder injury and did not return.

The Falcons are plenty deep at linebacker after Nicholas beat out Mike Peterson for the job in the preseason. The severity of Nicholas' injury is unknown.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 08:24:00 AM
Stephen Nicholas - LB - Falcons

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.
Related: Mike Peterson
Source: Associated Press
Tue, Sep 27, 2011 08:41:00 AM
Stephen Nicholas - LB - Falcons

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.
Related: Mike Peterson
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 12:17:00 PM
Stephen Nicholas - LB - Falcons

Falcons agreed to terms with OLB Stephen Nicholas on a five-year, $17.5 million 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. The Bucs were reportedly the primary competition for Nicholas' services, as he played at South Florida in college.
Related: Buccaneers
Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter
Wed, Jul 27, 2011 09:54:00 AM
Stephen Nicholas - LB - Falcons

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.
Related: Giants
Source: Newark Star-Ledger
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 01:23:00 PM
Stephen Nicholas - LB - Falcons

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.
Related: Giants, Clint Sintim
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 09:03:00 AM
Stephen Nicholas - LB - Falcons

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.
Related: Broncos, Lions, Jaguars
Source: Florida Times-Union
Tue, Jun 28, 2011 03:06:00 PM