Mike Smith: Roddy White, Robert Alford aiming for week 14 return against Green Bay Packers

The Atlanta Falcons have had their fair share (and more) of injuries this season. That doesn't help any NFL team win games. For example, when you have 5 offensive linemen on IR, it may be hard to protect your franchise quarterback. But this team, if anything, is resilient. They've found a way to protect Matt Ryan, and in Roddy White and Robert Alford's absence, they've found a way to create offense and defend the pass.

But heck, wouldn't it nice to have both White and Alford back? Well per Mike Smith, Alford is being fitted for an extra special cast and will look to play Sunday against the Packers. Credit to Michael Cunningham for the relevant quote.

Falcons coach Mike Smith said starting cornerback Robert Alford is being fitted for a cast today and will try to practice this week and play against the Packers on Monday night.

And if that doesn't get you excited, then how about some good Roddy news as well? Again, credit to Michael Cunningham for the relevant quote.

"He was close to playing," Smith said. "He worked with the athletic performance guys during the week. But we felt in was in his best interests long term to not play in the game this past week. We anticipate with the extra day he will be ready to go this week. Roddy is a guy that doesn't want to miss. It was tough on him when we made the decision to sit him down."

Getting both White and Alford back would help enormously. The receiving and secondary depth has stepped up in their absence, and I certainly appreciate that, but we need these guys for the stretch run. Your thoughts?