The good news first: The Atlanta Falcons are probably getting Brent Grimes back. He was limited in practice today, but that's a great sign. As long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks, Grimes will be back to hopefully torment Drew Brees on Monday night.

Several other Falcons are nicked up but practicing. Turner sat this one out to nurse his groin injury, and the Falcons are probably just getting him rest. If that persists, he's going to need some help from Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling. Unfortunately for everyone, Snelling missed practice today with an undisclosed illness. Hopefully he'll be fine come Monday.

Now for more bad news. Stephen Nicholas did not practice and may miss another game. The Falcons are lucky to have Mike Peterson backing him up. Kelvin Hayden also missed practice and is no sure thing to suit up on Monday night. If he can't go, it'll be a combination of Dominique Franks and Chris Owens at the slot.

My best guess—to be confirmed on Monday—is that Hayden sits it out and Nicholas plays sparingly, with everyone else more or less good to go.

In Saints news, DT Sedrick Ellis, G Jahri Evans, RB Mark Ingram and LB Jonathan Vilma all missed practice. Those are key guys, so watch that list closely in the days ahead.

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