SLIPPERY ROCK — The road back to the Atlanta Falcons isn't getting any easier for veteran NFL guard Brandon Fusco.

The Seneca Valley High School and Slippery Rock University graduate is entering his ninnth year in the NFL. His eighth season — and first with the Falcons — was cut short by an ankle and leg injury suffered during a Monday night game against the New York Giants in October.

“It was pretty gruesome,” said Fusco, who was at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium Friday night for SRU's annual spring football game. “I tore a ligament in my ankle and had a spiral fracture that went from my ankle all the way up to the knee.”

The injury was the second of major proportions during Fusco's career. He tore a pectoral muscle while playing for his original pro team, the Minnesota Vikings, a few years ago.

“I'm facing some adversity right now,” Fusco admitted. “But I've faced it before. I'm a fighter. I'll come through this OK.”

But will he come through it as a member of the Falcons?

During the off-season, Atlanta signed a pair of free agent guards — James Carpenter from the New York Jets and Jamon Brown from the Giants.

On the first night of this weekend's NFL draft, the Falcons selected guard Chris Lindstrom of Boston College and tackle Kaleb McGary of Washington.

“The signs don't look good for me,” Fusco said of his return to the Falcons.

Because he has not been medically cleared to resume football activities —remaining on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list — Fusco cannot by released by Atlanta until he's healthy. He hopes to be cleared in time for the team's mini-camp in May.

“At least I could see where I stand by then,” he said. “I've been working hard at rehabbing my leg and ankle and it feels good right now. I know I'm close.

“The thing is, training camp and preseason games aren't just about playing for the team you're with. Other teams are looking at film and scouting. You want to do well for them, too.”

Fusco is 6-foot-4, 306 pounds, and turns 31 in late July. He said he would be OK with walking away from the NFL now, except for one regret.

“My last play would be leaving the field with an injury,” he said. “Nobody wants that. I want to be able to leave the game on my terms.

“I'm not bitter about any of this. Injuries are part of football. Teams have to make decisions on personnel. That's all part of it.

“It's hard to imagine not playing football anymore, but I've been doing this for a long time. I'm hoping to play this year. If it doesn't work out with Atlanta or somewhere else, I have no regrets,” Fusco added.

When he is done as a player, Fusco says he wants to coach.

“Definitely college,” he emphasized. “The NFL is too stressful and there's not much coaching stability.

“To be honest, I'd love to come back and coach right here (at Slippery Rock). That would be a great way to give back. I lived my dream through playing at The Rock. Why not come back and help other players live theirs?”

Fusco was a sixth-round draft choice by Minnesota in 2011. He has played for the Vikings, San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta.

“I'm at the age now where I have to be careful with my body,” he said. “There's life after football. I want to be able to play with my kids in the backyard, enjoy the rest of my life.

“I have to take care of myself in that regard, not do anything foolish.”