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The key thing to take away from Thursday’s injury report is that every single player on the roster participated to some extent. That includes kicker Matt Bryant and defensive end Derrick Shelby, both of whom were completely sidelined on Wednesday.
The Falcons are going to eventually have to make a decision about the kicker spot. Giorgio Tavecchio has filled in admirably since Bryant went down with a hamstring injury, and Bryant isn’t getting any younger. But there are few players on the roster fans respect as much as Bryant, who has been reliable to an extent we rarely see with NFL kickers.
The other name Falcons fans are keeping a close eye on is Deion Jones, who was activated off of IR last week and has been battling a foot injury he suffered in Week 1.
Dan Quinn says Deion Jones will get a few more reps in today's practice. #Falcons
— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) November 15, 2018
Jones’ status tomorrow should give us a better sense of whether or not he’s healthy enough to be active on Sunday against the Cowboys. But even if he does practice fully, it’s not a guarantee about Sunday. The team still may opt to let him ease in, especially on a short week to prepare for the Saints and knowing what a difference maker Jones has been over his short career against New Orleans.
Linebacker Foye Oluokun practiced fully for the second consecutive day with an elbow injury. De’Vondre Campbell (calf), Bruce Carter (knee), Damontae Kazee (shoulder), and Mohamed Sanu (hip) were all limited in practice.
The Cowboys’ injury report is a bit more robust. Six players, including wideout Tavon Austin, defensive end Taco Charlton, and linebacker Sean Lee, were held out on Thursday. Guard Zack Martin and tackle Tyron Smith returned to practice Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday.
Smith was out when the Falcons faced the Cowboys last year, and it led to a huge day for former Falcon Adrian Clayborn, who had a six-sack day against Dak Prescott and crew. Smith being active is good news for the Cowboys, even against a lackluster Falcons pass rush.
We’ll have eyes on the injury report and analysis of what the participation in the final practice of the week means for Atlanta as they look toward Sunday’s game here on The Falcoholic tomorrow.