Post by Guvmintcheeze on Sept 25, 2014 5:48:33 GMT
Falcons' Hester, Douglas return to practice
By Vaughn McClure | ESPN.com
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas and Devin Hester, both of whom were sidelined with injuries during Monday's practice, were full participants in Wednesday's practice.
Douglas injured his left foot in last Thursday's 56-14 win over Tampa Bay while Hester's injury was listed as an ankle, although cramps sidelined him during that game. Both Hester and Douglas fielded punts at the start of practice, which is open to the media.
Fellow receiver Roddy White was limited as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury he suffered against Cincinnati in Week 2. Coach Mike Smith indicated White's status could change for Thursday's practice in preparation for Sunday's game at Minnesota. White missed Atlanta's game against the Buccaneers.
"We anticipate tomorrow that Roddy's workload is going to go up," Smith said. "That's going to depend on how he feels and recovers from today. I'm sure you've noticed but basically on Wednesdays, we've held him back when he's been healthy as well.
"I keep telling him a lot of it is going to depend on the surface that we're playing on in terms of the number of snaps that he has. ... It was good to have Roddy back out there to participate."
Running back Antone Smith, who is dealing with a right hamstring injury, also was a full participant at practice.
During practice, rookie linebacker Prince Shembo was limited and exited the field early with cramping in his calf.
"We anticipate he'll be back out tomorrow with no issues," Smith said of Shembo.
In general, Smith feels good about the health of his team.
"The health of our team has been good,'' Smith said. "I really like the way that we were able to get through last week on a short week."
In Minnesota, defensive tackle Linval Joseph (shoulder), linebacker Chad Greenway (hand/rib), cornerback Josh Robinson (hamstring) and tight end Kyle Rudolph (abdomen/groin) were all held out of practice. Rudolph, who is expected to be out six weeks following sports hernia surgery, will not play against the Falcons on Sunday.
Safety Harrison Smith (knee) and linebacker Brandon Watts (knee) were limited for the Vikings on Wednesday. Smith's status is definitely worth monitoring, considering he could be a defensive playmaker and effective blitzer against the Falcons.
By Vaughn McClure | ESPN.com
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas and Devin Hester, both of whom were sidelined with injuries during Monday's practice, were full participants in Wednesday's practice.
Douglas injured his left foot in last Thursday's 56-14 win over Tampa Bay while Hester's injury was listed as an ankle, although cramps sidelined him during that game. Both Hester and Douglas fielded punts at the start of practice, which is open to the media.
Fellow receiver Roddy White was limited as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury he suffered against Cincinnati in Week 2. Coach Mike Smith indicated White's status could change for Thursday's practice in preparation for Sunday's game at Minnesota. White missed Atlanta's game against the Buccaneers.
"We anticipate tomorrow that Roddy's workload is going to go up," Smith said. "That's going to depend on how he feels and recovers from today. I'm sure you've noticed but basically on Wednesdays, we've held him back when he's been healthy as well.
"I keep telling him a lot of it is going to depend on the surface that we're playing on in terms of the number of snaps that he has. ... It was good to have Roddy back out there to participate."
Running back Antone Smith, who is dealing with a right hamstring injury, also was a full participant at practice.
During practice, rookie linebacker Prince Shembo was limited and exited the field early with cramping in his calf.
"We anticipate he'll be back out tomorrow with no issues," Smith said of Shembo.
In general, Smith feels good about the health of his team.
"The health of our team has been good,'' Smith said. "I really like the way that we were able to get through last week on a short week."
In Minnesota, defensive tackle Linval Joseph (shoulder), linebacker Chad Greenway (hand/rib), cornerback Josh Robinson (hamstring) and tight end Kyle Rudolph (abdomen/groin) were all held out of practice. Rudolph, who is expected to be out six weeks following sports hernia surgery, will not play against the Falcons on Sunday.
Safety Harrison Smith (knee) and linebacker Brandon Watts (knee) were limited for the Vikings on Wednesday. Smith's status is definitely worth monitoring, considering he could be a defensive playmaker and effective blitzer against the Falcons.
