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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Quarterback Byron Leftwich is known for his jovial personality and sense of humor. But there was nothing funny about sitting in his mother's basement last Sunday.

Instead of playing for the Jaguars, who abruptly cut him Sept. 1 after four years as a starter, he watched games on television and fought the urge to fight his sadness and sabotage his physique with a big, home-cooked meal.

Wednesday, however, brought the trademark smile back to Leftwich's face as he took his first snaps with the Falcons, who signed him late Tuesday afternoon.

"I worked out a lot during those two weeks," Leftwich said, a hand-written nameplate and No. 4 mounted above him on his locker. "I'm just happy to be here right now."

The seventh overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft went 24-20 as a starter, threw for more than 9,000 yards and connected on 51 touchdown passes in Jacksonville. He signed with the Falcons as the No. 3 quarterback behind Chris Redman and starter Joey Harrington.

Head Coach Bobby Petrino said Wednesday Leftwich's first job will be learning the offense. He also said Harrington remains the team's No. 1 quarterback.

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