Falcons' Jasper unsure of future

INDIANAPOLIS - The Atlanta Falcons still don't know if starting nose tackle Ed Jasper will retire or return for his ninth NFL season.

A broken left hand and torn ligaments caused Jasper to miss the last four games of the regular season. Those were just the latest injuries to befall the Texas native, who underwent back surgery after the 2002 season and played with considerable pain in his knees, ankles and shoulders the past two years.

After Atlanta's loss at Philadelphia in the NFC Championship game last month, Jasper announced his retirement. After speaking with head coach Jim Mora the next day, Jasper was persuaded to not make an emotional decision, but the time is quickly approaching.

Jasper would carry a salary cap charge of $2.5 million this year. If he retires, second-year veteran Chad Lavalais would become the starter alongside Rod Coleman. Lavalais, a fifth-round pick from Louisiana State last year, had a solid rookie season with 24 tackles and two fumble recoveries.

DRAFT DUTIES: The departure earlier this week of Tim Ruskell, team president and general manager Rich McKay's longtime friend and assistant general manager, means a reshuffling of responsibilities before, during and after the April 23-24 draft.

Ruskell, who left Tampa Bay to join McKay in Atlanta last year, is the new president of the Seattle Seahawks, so director of college scouting Phil Emery will take over some of his former roles with the Falcons.

McKay expects no turnover in the scouting department.

DETMER MAKES PLANS: Though he hasn't taken a snap since 2001, Ty Detmer hopes to return for a second season as Atlanta's No. 3 quarterback.

The 1991 Heisman Trophy winner from Brigham Young, Detmer is well-versed in nuances of the West Coast offense, a derivative of which coordinator Greg Knapp runs with the Falcons. Detmer's role in Atlanta is mostly to help Knapp and quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson work with starter Michael Vick, who turns 25 in June, and Matt Schaub, a rookie last year.