Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

Atlanta fullback Ovie Mughelli sat out a second straight day of practice with a calf injury. That’s not a good sign as the Falcons face a crucial game with the Bears on Sunday.

Mughelli might be the biggest unsung hero on Atlanta’s offense. He doesn’t get much attention, but his blocking is critical. If Mughelli can’t play Sunday, there will be a big drop-off.

Jason Snelling got some work at fullback after Mughelli was injured in San Francisco. But Snelling is primarily a tailback, although he has the size to be an effective blocker at fullback. The other option is Verron Haynes. He was inactive at San Francisco, but might get the start because he has more practice time at fullback.