Grady Jarrett and Derrick Shelby to return to practice Thursday

Atlanta’s defense has been struggling with injuries, and could be euphemistically described as inconsistent. Without top defensive lineman Grady Jarrett, it has been a tire fire disaster. We never really know what to expect with Dan Quinn’s injury news, which are usually vague and optimistic before a player ends up on injured reserve.

The fantastic news today is Jarrett is finally returning to practice. Derrick Shelby will be there too.

This is a huuuuuuuuuuge upgrade for the Falcons defense tasked with slowing down the New York Giants offense. The offense, of course, consists almost entirely of Saquon Barkley. The rest of the offense relies on Eli Manning so we aren’t too worried about Odell Beckham, Jr.

Jarrett is an impact player on the defensive line, standing out both in the passing game and run defense. Shelby is an underrated run defending defensive. The Falcons desperately hope both will return on Monday Night.