Falcons Friday injury update, WR White practices
Written by: Steve Wyche ¦ 9/22/2006
Source: www.ajc.com
Defensive end John Abraham and linebacker Ed Hartwell did not practice today - again. They are still listed as questionable with coach Jim Mora saying they are making progress toward a return, soon.
The Falcons aren't going to rush either player, but Abraham (groin) is much closer to returning than Hartwell, who had both knees scoped just before the regular season.
The Falcons are leaving open the possibility that Abraham could be used Monday night at New Orleans in some pass-rushing situations, although risking injury to the stud pass rusher would seem too great at this point of the season.
If Abe can't go, Chauncey Davis will start at left DE, Patrick Kerney (still suffering from strained triceps) will play right DE in passing situations and undrafted rookie Paul Carrington will play right DE on run downs.
Though it's always better to have Abraham, the Falcons feel the push they are getting from their interior defensive front, led by DTs Rod Coleman and Grady Jackson, has been the secret to their success defensively.
The tackles have kept blockers off linebackers. They also have funneled plays to the edges, where Atlanta feels its speed at linebacker and in the secondary allows it to made plays near the line of scrimmage.
When facing the Saints' Reggie Bush, bouncing plays to the perimeter sounds kind of risky, but Bush isn't going to carry the ball as much as head-banger Deuce McAllister. If Atlanta can slow McAllister like they've stuffed DeShaun Foster and Cadillac Williams, it could put itself into favorable down and distance situations where it can scheme for Bush and the pass.
In other developments, WR Roddy White (ribs) returned to practice today. The Falcons wideouts feel the success of the running game the past two weeks could force the Saints to play a decent amount of man coverage, which could allow them to get open on some deep passes.
http://www.ajc.com
Written by: Steve Wyche ¦ 9/22/2006
Source: www.ajc.com
Defensive end John Abraham and linebacker Ed Hartwell did not practice today - again. They are still listed as questionable with coach Jim Mora saying they are making progress toward a return, soon.
The Falcons aren't going to rush either player, but Abraham (groin) is much closer to returning than Hartwell, who had both knees scoped just before the regular season.
The Falcons are leaving open the possibility that Abraham could be used Monday night at New Orleans in some pass-rushing situations, although risking injury to the stud pass rusher would seem too great at this point of the season.
If Abe can't go, Chauncey Davis will start at left DE, Patrick Kerney (still suffering from strained triceps) will play right DE in passing situations and undrafted rookie Paul Carrington will play right DE on run downs.
Though it's always better to have Abraham, the Falcons feel the push they are getting from their interior defensive front, led by DTs Rod Coleman and Grady Jackson, has been the secret to their success defensively.
The tackles have kept blockers off linebackers. They also have funneled plays to the edges, where Atlanta feels its speed at linebacker and in the secondary allows it to made plays near the line of scrimmage.
When facing the Saints' Reggie Bush, bouncing plays to the perimeter sounds kind of risky, but Bush isn't going to carry the ball as much as head-banger Deuce McAllister. If Atlanta can slow McAllister like they've stuffed DeShaun Foster and Cadillac Williams, it could put itself into favorable down and distance situations where it can scheme for Bush and the pass.
In other developments, WR Roddy White (ribs) returned to practice today. The Falcons wideouts feel the success of the running game the past two weeks could force the Saints to play a decent amount of man coverage, which could allow them to get open on some deep passes.
http://www.ajc.com
