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Post by Guvmintcheeze on Oct 2, 2014 18:16:56 GMT
Douglas, Blalock still sidelined for Falcons
By Vaughn McClure | ESPN.com
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons left guard Justin Blalock and wide receiver Harry Douglas were on the field without helmets during Thursday's practice as they continue to recover from injuries.
Blalock injured his back in last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He seems unlikely to play Sunday against the New York Giants, with Harland Gunn preparing to step into the starting lineup. Blalock was not on the field Wednesday but did watch the offensive linemen go through drills at the start of Thursday's practice.
As for Douglas, he was inactive for the last game after suffering a left foot injury in a Week 3 win against Tampa Bay. Douglas doesn't want to rush back and jeopardize missing more games, so it wouldn't be a surprise to seem him inactive for the Giants game as well.
Fellow receiver Drew Davis, who began the season on the physically unable to perform list following foot surgery, was spotted in the locker room without a walking boot. It could mean he'll be ready to return to action after he misses the required first six weeks of the season. Safety Zeke Motta (neck surgery) also is on the PUP list but not expected to play this season.
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Post by mdrake34 on Oct 3, 2014 16:53:35 GMT
It's official, they're both out Sunday.
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Post by Guvmintcheeze on Oct 3, 2014 17:45:53 GMT
Justin Blalock, Harry Douglas ruled out for Falcons
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons are down two more players with starting left guard Justin Blalock and receiver Harry Douglas ruled out for Sunday's game against the New York Giants because of injuries.
Blalock continues to recover from a back injury, and Douglas has a lingering left foot issue. Neither player practiced this week.
The Falcons started the week by putting starting center Joe Hawley (ACL) and starting right tackle Lamar Holmes (foot) on season-ending injured reserve. The loss of Blalock means three new starters will be in the lineup: center Peter Konz, right tackle Gabe Carimi and left guard Harland Gunn.
The Falcons lost starting left tackle Sam Baker to a knee injury in the preseason, forcing rookie Jake Matthews to move from right tackle to left.
The sudden changes along the line will create quite a challenge for Falcons offensive line coach Mike Tice.
"We have to groom the next wave of guys," Tice said. "But the guys that we have active this week -- the seven and including [Blalock] -- we have eight guys that can play winning football in the National Football League."
Douglas will miss his second consecutive game, which likely means more touches for Devin Hester at receiver.
Hester (ankle), fellow receiver Julio Jones (ankle), safety Kemal Ishmael (ankle) and linebacker Prince Shembo (knee) are all listed as probable, coming off injuries. All four had full participation in Friday's practice.
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