Atlanta Falcons Week 14 injury update: Coleman unlikely, Jackson not suspended

December 4, 4:21 PMAtlanta Falcons ExaminerDaniel Cox

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Atlanta Falcons Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

The Atlanta Falcons may be missing one of their unsung heroes Sunday as they take the field against the rival Saints in New Orleans.

Safety Eric Coleman missed practice for the second straight day with a quad injury, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and is currently listed as questionable for Sunday's game.

Coleman intercepted the first pass of the game from the hand of quarterback Drew Brees in the Falcons' Week 10 34-20 victory over New Orleans.

Rookie third-round pick Thomas DeCoud will start if Coleman is unable to play on Sunday. DeCoud's seen most of his action this season on special teams, but will be needed against the Saints' dominant passing attack.

DeCoud said of his opportunity, "I’m feeling good about the game plan. I’m going to be ready if I’m needed on Sunday.”

If he's in the lineup, look for Brees and the Saints to pick on the rookie early. Hopefully DeCoud can rise to the challenge, if necessary, and add his name to the growing list of impact rookies for the Atlanta Falcons.

Other Notable Injury News

• Defensive tackle Grady Jackson is expected to play Sunday. Jackson was not one of the six players suspended by the NFL for violating the anti-doping policy. The league has asked for additional information on Jackson, but at this time it appears he has dodged suspension.
• Rookie left tackle Sam Baker returned to practice on Wednesday, in a limited capacity. The return marks the first time Baker's practiced since Week Six. He's currently listed as questionable for Sunday's game.
• Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux was limited on Wednesday. His ailing shoulder injury doesn't appear to be serious.
• Kicker Jason Elam, dealing with a hip injury for seven weeks, is still listed as questionable and was limited in practice on Wednesday, but has yet to miss a game.
• Corner back Brent Grimes did not practice at all on Wednesday and was inactive for last week's game. Battling a knee injury, he's listed as questionable, but currently it appears that he is unlikely to play.
• Left tackle Todd Weiner missed practice on Wednesday with a sore knee, among a variety of issues ailing the veteran lineman. He's listed as questionable, but he's earned his paycheck each week, battling injuries week-in-and-week-out for the Falcons' thin offensive line.
• Wide receiver Laurent Robinson, who's missed the last two games with an injured hamstring participated in drills on Wednesday and is listed as questionable. The second-year receiver has missed half of Atlanta's games this season.
• Veteran receiver Brian Finneran was limited in Wednesday's practice with a sore hamstring. He's caught eight passes in the last four games, but also fumbled a critical reception in last week's game. With the return to health of other receiver Robinson, there may not be room on the depth chart for Finneran much longer.

All players with injuries are listed as questionable throughout the week. Once Friday's reports are released, the official categorization of the player's status will be used.