Brooks Reed injury: the linebacker returns to practice on a limited basis

Prior to today's practice, Falcons head coach Dan Quinn told the media that Brooks Reed would return to practice on a limited basis today. This is huge news, considering that Reed had groin surgery just before the regular season started, and the expectation was that Reed would miss about six weeks as he recovered. His rehab is going well and he's definitely ahead of schedule.

Reed said that he does not expect to be ready to play Sunday.

"I'm pretty limited this week," Reed said. "I probably won't be out there this week, but after that, we'll see. I'm kind of just day-to-day, week-to-week."

Kroy Biermann also returned to practice today and was expected to practice fully. Biermann was excused from yesterday's practice because his wife, Kim Zolciak, suffered a transient ischemic attack, which is essentially a mini-stroke, though it does not cause lasting damage.

Quinn also confirmed prior to practice that Julio Jones would be limited today as a precaution, and he said that Devin Hester and Tevin Coleman would be held out of today's practice.

During practice, Eric Weems, Nick Williams and Terron Ward took kick return reps. I do expect Devin Hester to be out on Sunday, so look for Weems to handle return duties again.

Jake Long continues to work with the second team offensive line, though today it seemed like he was primarily working at the right tackle position. Previously he has spent more time at left tackle when we've been on the practice field.

Julio Jones said prior to practice that the Dallas secondary is talented and physical.

"They've got a lot of talent over there in the secondary. All the guys are physical guys, they'll come up and hit you," Jones said. "We've still got to go out there and play Falcons football. I've got to go out there and just be on my cue, me and Matt and all the other guys out there and take full responsibility for our job."

Roddy White said that, on tape, the Dallas defense as a whole appears to be a very complete unit.

"Oh, they look good. They're fast, physical," White said. "They get to the ball. The corners are playing good. Their whole team on the defensive side looks complete, and I don't know who's been doing the recruiting or the signing guys and stuff like that, but they've got guys that fit the scheme that they want to run, and they're penetrating, getting upfield, getting after the quarterback, and they're stopping the run, so they look like a complete defense on film."

Your thoughts on today's practice?