NFC South: William Moore
The Atlanta Falcons have had the quietest offseason of any NFC South team. But that doesn't mean they won't have some changes in their starting lineup.
Now that the NFL draft is over, let's take a look at my best guess at what Atlanta's starting lineup will look like in September.
OFFENSE
Now that the NFL draft is over, let's take a look at my best guess at what Atlanta's starting lineup will look like in September.
OFFENSE
- QB Matt Ryan
- WR Roddy White
- WR Julio Jones
- LT Sam Baker (or someone not yet on the roster)
- C Joe Hawley (I’m guessing he starts ahead of Todd McClure)
- RG Peter Konz (unless he ends up playing center)
- RT Tyson Clabo
- DE John Abraham
- DT Corey Peters
- DE Ray Edwards
- MLB Akeem Dent (Falcons would like him to beat out veteran Lofa Tatupu)
- OLB Stephen Nicholas
- CB Brent Grimes
- CB Dunta Robinson (Asante Samuel will play as much as Grimes and Robinson)
The sixth round of the NFL draft is over and each NFC South team made one pick. Let’s take a look.
The Buccaneers selected West Virginia cornerback Keith Tandy. At this stage of the draft, it’s all about depth. With Aqib Talib’s future still uncertain and the possibility of Ronde Barber playing safety, Tandy gives the Bucs some more depth at cornerback and a likely special-teams player.
The Saints took Syracuse guard Andrew Tiller. This is one guy that you don’t write off as a career backup just because he’s a sixth-round pick. First off, Tiller has great size and some upside. Second, the Saints have a history of finding great guards later in the draft. They found Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks, although Nicks left this year via free agency. Oh, there’s one other factor here. Tiller’s college coach was Doug Marrone, who used to be New Orleans’ offensive coordinator, so Tiller should have some familiarity with the Saints’ offense.
The Falcons picked Mississippi State safety Charles Mitchell. He’s a little short, but he’s strong and powerful. As a three-year starter in the SEC, he has experience against good competition. He should provide some solid depth behind Thomas DeCoud and William Moore.
The Panthers used the final pick of the sixth round on Wisconsin punter Brad Nortman. This is significant. The Panthers released punter Jason Baker in a salary-cap move and needed a replacement. They found one in Nortman.
The Buccaneers selected West Virginia cornerback Keith Tandy. At this stage of the draft, it’s all about depth. With Aqib Talib’s future still uncertain and the possibility of Ronde Barber playing safety, Tandy gives the Bucs some more depth at cornerback and a likely special-teams player.
The Saints took Syracuse guard Andrew Tiller. This is one guy that you don’t write off as a career backup just because he’s a sixth-round pick. First off, Tiller has great size and some upside. Second, the Saints have a history of finding great guards later in the draft. They found Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks, although Nicks left this year via free agency. Oh, there’s one other factor here. Tiller’s college coach was Doug Marrone, who used to be New Orleans’ offensive coordinator, so Tiller should have some familiarity with the Saints’ offense.
The Falcons picked Mississippi State safety Charles Mitchell. He’s a little short, but he’s strong and powerful. As a three-year starter in the SEC, he has experience against good competition. He should provide some solid depth behind Thomas DeCoud and William Moore.
The Panthers used the final pick of the sixth round on Wisconsin punter Brad Nortman. This is significant. The Panthers released punter Jason Baker in a salary-cap move and needed a replacement. They found one in Nortman.
There's a big focus on New York on Thursday as the Saints appeal their suspensions and punishments for their bounty program and we'll stay on that all day. But let's take a quick run through some other NFC South headlines.
Although he was very close to former Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris, veteran cornerback Ronde Barber said it’s a good thing new coach Greg Schiano is running a tighter ship. He’s right. Morris was a nice guy and was well liked by his players. But it became painfully obvious last season that he wasn’t running a very structured program and at least some of his players were taking advantage of that. It quickly has become obvious that Schiano is running a much more structured program.
Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan showed up at Augusta National. He wasn’t a spectator for the Masters. He was working as a caddie. Ryan will get back to his regular job April 16, when the Falcons begin their offseason program.
At a gathering to celebrate former Carolina receiver Muhsin Muhammad taking over a restaurant chain, Panthers owner Jerry Richardson said it often is difficult for athletes to adjust to the business world. Muhammad might be wise to take some notes from his former boss. Richardson is the ultimate success story of a former player in the business world. Richardson had a brief career as a receiver with the Baltimore Colts in the Johnny Unitas days. He then started a fast-food franchise that grew into a restaurant empire that gave Richardson the resources he needed to start the Panthers as an expansion team in 1995.
In some non-bounty news involving the Saints, a federal judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit over whether the phrase “Who Dat’’ can be trademarked or is public domain. The case is scheduled to go to trial later this month.
Former Atlanta safety James Sanders has left for Arizona as a free agent. Sanders provided stability in Atlanta’s secondary as William Moore and Thomas DeCoud went through some growing pains. But Moore and DeCoud have progressed and that made Sanders expendable.
Although he was very close to former Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris, veteran cornerback Ronde Barber said it’s a good thing new coach Greg Schiano is running a tighter ship. He’s right. Morris was a nice guy and was well liked by his players. But it became painfully obvious last season that he wasn’t running a very structured program and at least some of his players were taking advantage of that. It quickly has become obvious that Schiano is running a much more structured program.
Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan showed up at Augusta National. He wasn’t a spectator for the Masters. He was working as a caddie. Ryan will get back to his regular job April 16, when the Falcons begin their offseason program.
At a gathering to celebrate former Carolina receiver Muhsin Muhammad taking over a restaurant chain, Panthers owner Jerry Richardson said it often is difficult for athletes to adjust to the business world. Muhammad might be wise to take some notes from his former boss. Richardson is the ultimate success story of a former player in the business world. Richardson had a brief career as a receiver with the Baltimore Colts in the Johnny Unitas days. He then started a fast-food franchise that grew into a restaurant empire that gave Richardson the resources he needed to start the Panthers as an expansion team in 1995.
In some non-bounty news involving the Saints, a federal judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit over whether the phrase “Who Dat’’ can be trademarked or is public domain. The case is scheduled to go to trial later this month.
Former Atlanta safety James Sanders has left for Arizona as a free agent. Sanders provided stability in Atlanta’s secondary as William Moore and Thomas DeCoud went through some growing pains. But Moore and DeCoud have progressed and that made Sanders expendable.
Atlanta safety Thomas DeCoud will not be testing free agency.
The Falcons announced Tuesday morning that the four-year veteran has agreed to a new contract. Terms of the deal weren’t immediately available.
But the signing shows the Falcons still have high hopes for their third-round draft pick from 2008. DeCoud has started 47 of 58 career games.
In 2011, he hit a brief slump that landed him on the bench. But DeCoud later reclaimed his starting job and appeared to get back in the good graces of the coaching staff. Ideally, the Falcons would like DeCoud and William Moore to be their safeties for the long term.
The hope in the organization is that DeCoud and Moore, who both have good physical skills, can become more consistent under new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.
DeCoud did have a career-high four interceptions last season, and ranked third on the team in tackles.
But the signing shows the Falcons still have high hopes for their third-round draft pick from 2008. DeCoud has started 47 of 58 career games.
In 2011, he hit a brief slump that landed him on the bench. But DeCoud later reclaimed his starting job and appeared to get back in the good graces of the coaching staff. Ideally, the Falcons would like DeCoud and William Moore to be their safeties for the long term.
The hope in the organization is that DeCoud and Moore, who both have good physical skills, can become more consistent under new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.
DeCoud did have a career-high four interceptions last season, and ranked third on the team in tackles.
Sherrod Martin led safeties in playing time
February, 8, 2012
Feb 8
10:39
AM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
The NFC South might not have a true standout safety, but it has plenty of durable ones.
Five division safeties participated in more than 90 percent of their team’s defensive plays in 2011. We’ll wrap up our series, which started last week, of playing time at every position with the safeties. Special thanks to NFC South Blog unofficial (and unpaid) intern Chris Walker from Saint Leo University for helping tabulate the results.
Carolina’s Sherrod Martin led all division safeties by participating in 96.8 percent of the defensive snaps. That percentage ranked No. 18 in the NFL as Martin was on the field for 990 of Carolina’s 1,023 defensive snaps.
Atlanta’s Thomas DeCoud (94.9 percent), Tampa Bay’s Sean Jones (93.8), New Orleans’ Roman Harper (93.2) and New Orleans’ Malcolm Jenkins (91.3) also were among the league leaders. Carolina’s Charles Godfrey wasn’t far behind them at 83.7 percent.
Here’s a look at some other NFC South safeties who got at least moderate playing time:
Five division safeties participated in more than 90 percent of their team’s defensive plays in 2011. We’ll wrap up our series, which started last week, of playing time at every position with the safeties. Special thanks to NFC South Blog unofficial (and unpaid) intern Chris Walker from Saint Leo University for helping tabulate the results.
Carolina’s Sherrod Martin led all division safeties by participating in 96.8 percent of the defensive snaps. That percentage ranked No. 18 in the NFL as Martin was on the field for 990 of Carolina’s 1,023 defensive snaps.
Atlanta’s Thomas DeCoud (94.9 percent), Tampa Bay’s Sean Jones (93.8), New Orleans’ Roman Harper (93.2) and New Orleans’ Malcolm Jenkins (91.3) also were among the league leaders. Carolina’s Charles Godfrey wasn’t far behind them at 83.7 percent.
Here’s a look at some other NFC South safeties who got at least moderate playing time:
- William Moore, Falcons, 59.5
- Tanard Jackson, Buccaneers, 49.9
- James Sanders, Falcons, 45.2
- Corey Lynch, Buccaneers, 26
- Jordan Pugh, Panthers, 23.8
- Cody Grimm, Buccaneers, 16.7
The injury news got a little more encouraging for the Falcons on Thursday as linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (head), running back Michael Turner (groin), safety William Moore (groin), receiver Kerry Meier (groin) and receiver Harry Douglas (groin) all returned to practice.
Weatherspoon participated fully, while the others took part on a limited basis. But the more concerning news is that cornerback Brent Grimes (knee) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe) each missed their second straight day of practice.
Spencer Adkins would start at linebacker if Nicholas isn’t ready to play Sunday against the New York Giants. If Grimes can’t go, the Falcons likely would start Dominique Franks.
For the Giants, running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) did not practice Thursday.
Weatherspoon participated fully, while the others took part on a limited basis. But the more concerning news is that cornerback Brent Grimes (knee) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe) each missed their second straight day of practice.
Spencer Adkins would start at linebacker if Nicholas isn’t ready to play Sunday against the New York Giants. If Grimes can’t go, the Falcons likely would start Dominique Franks.
For the Giants, running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) did not practice Thursday.
The Atlanta Falcons just sent out their first injury report for Sunday’s playoff game with the New York Giants and it’s pretty extensive.
Veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez, center Todd McClure and defensive end John Abraham did not practice Wednesday. They are not listed with injuries and the team said the three veterans were resting.
But there were some other players who did sit out with injuries that could be reasons for concern. Cornerback Brent Grimes (knee), linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (head), running back Michael Turner (groin), linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe), safety William Moore (groin) and receivers Kerry Meier (groin) and Harry Douglas (groin) did not participate in practice.
Veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez, center Todd McClure and defensive end John Abraham did not practice Wednesday. They are not listed with injuries and the team said the three veterans were resting.
But there were some other players who did sit out with injuries that could be reasons for concern. Cornerback Brent Grimes (knee), linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (head), running back Michael Turner (groin), linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe), safety William Moore (groin) and receivers Kerry Meier (groin) and Harry Douglas (groin) did not participate in practice.
Three things to know about next Sunday’s Atlanta Falcons-New York Giants wild-card game.
1. Take the next step. Since arriving together in 2008, coach Mike Smith and quarterback Matt Ryan have produced four consecutive winning seasons. That’s great, but the big knock on Smith and Ryan is that they have yet to win a playoff game. When they were the No. 1 seed last year, they lost at home to the No. 6 Packers. Going on the road to a cold-weather venue will be difficult. But Atlanta went all-in this season with the trade up to draft Julio Jones and sign defensive end Ray Edwards. They need a postseason victory to make this season any sort of success. Ryan also needs to shed the label that he can’t win the big one.
2. Stop the pass rush. The Falcons had problems protecting Ryan early in the season and that caused lots of problems. The offensive line has played better lately. But the Giants feature a very strong pass rush. They have Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora is back from an injury. The Giants can generate pressure with their front four alone. The Falcons are going to have to use their running backs and tight ends to give left tackle Will Svitek some blocking help.
3. Slow down Victor Cruz. The New York receiver has come out of nowhere to become one of the league’s top receivers. Cruz has lots of speed and has been making lots of big plays downfield. If cornerback Brent Grimes, who has missed time with a knee injury, is healthy, he and cornerback Dunta Robinson can match up with Cruz and the short and mid-level passing game. But safeties William Moore, Thomas DeCoud and James Sanders will have to step up and do a better job providing help than they did in the regular season. Of course, it would also help if Atlanta can generate a pass rush. There are some signs that’s possible. After a slow start, defensive end John Abraham has come on strong in recent weeks.
1. Take the next step. Since arriving together in 2008, coach Mike Smith and quarterback Matt Ryan have produced four consecutive winning seasons. That’s great, but the big knock on Smith and Ryan is that they have yet to win a playoff game. When they were the No. 1 seed last year, they lost at home to the No. 6 Packers. Going on the road to a cold-weather venue will be difficult. But Atlanta went all-in this season with the trade up to draft Julio Jones and sign defensive end Ray Edwards. They need a postseason victory to make this season any sort of success. Ryan also needs to shed the label that he can’t win the big one.
2. Stop the pass rush. The Falcons had problems protecting Ryan early in the season and that caused lots of problems. The offensive line has played better lately. But the Giants feature a very strong pass rush. They have Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora is back from an injury. The Giants can generate pressure with their front four alone. The Falcons are going to have to use their running backs and tight ends to give left tackle Will Svitek some blocking help.
3. Slow down Victor Cruz. The New York receiver has come out of nowhere to become one of the league’s top receivers. Cruz has lots of speed and has been making lots of big plays downfield. If cornerback Brent Grimes, who has missed time with a knee injury, is healthy, he and cornerback Dunta Robinson can match up with Cruz and the short and mid-level passing game. But safeties William Moore, Thomas DeCoud and James Sanders will have to step up and do a better job providing help than they did in the regular season. Of course, it would also help if Atlanta can generate a pass rush. There are some signs that’s possible. After a slow start, defensive end John Abraham has come on strong in recent weeks.
Time for a look at the top headlines from around the NFC South.
— Atlanta receiver Roddy White tried to sound like the elder statesman when he said rookie Julio Jones will have days like he did Sunday. Jones had some key drops and some key penalties. But White also had a couple of drops in the loss to Houston.
— Although Atlanta safety William Moore has returned to practice after missing time with injuries, James Sanders has remained in the starting lineup.
— The ball Carolina quarterback Cam Newton was carrying when he broke the season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback is going to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
— New Orleans coach Sean Payton said his team is a work in progress when asked if the Saints are better than they were last year. Coaches aren’t supposed to say their team is better than last year, so I’ll do it for him. The Saints are better than last year. They’ve got a better defense and a stable of healthy running backs to go with Drew Brees and the passing game.
— Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris said he’ll simplify the defense to make it easier on the young players. At this point, anything is worth a shot.
— Atlanta receiver Roddy White tried to sound like the elder statesman when he said rookie Julio Jones will have days like he did Sunday. Jones had some key drops and some key penalties. But White also had a couple of drops in the loss to Houston.
— Although Atlanta safety William Moore has returned to practice after missing time with injuries, James Sanders has remained in the starting lineup.
— The ball Carolina quarterback Cam Newton was carrying when he broke the season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback is going to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
— New Orleans coach Sean Payton said his team is a work in progress when asked if the Saints are better than they were last year. Coaches aren’t supposed to say their team is better than last year, so I’ll do it for him. The Saints are better than last year. They’ve got a better defense and a stable of healthy running backs to go with Drew Brees and the passing game.
— Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris said he’ll simplify the defense to make it easier on the young players. At this point, anything is worth a shot.
ATLANTA -- In addition to rookie receiver Julio Jones, who is sitting out with a hamstring injury, the Falcons have announced their other six inactives for Sunday’s game with Tennessee.
They are tackle Sam Baker, safety William Moore, cornerback Darrin Walls, center Brett Romberg, defensive tackle Carlton Powell and defensive end Cliff Matthews.
They are tackle Sam Baker, safety William Moore, cornerback Darrin Walls, center Brett Romberg, defensive tackle Carlton Powell and defensive end Cliff Matthews.
Checking the injuries that matter most
November, 17, 2011
11/17/11
6:01
PM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
Let’s check in on the most significant injuries around the NFC South.
Looks like Atlanta has some potentially major issues heading into Sunday’s game with Tennessee. Receiver Julio Jones (hamstring) missed another day of practice, meaning it’s becoming more likely he’ll sit out. Harry Douglas stepped up when Jones was hurt in Sunday’s loss to the Saints, but it might be nice if Roddy White could do the same. Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton was added to Thursday’s report with an ankle injury. If he can’t go, the Falcons might have to shuffle their linebackers, and that could involve some movement of the outside linebackers, which could mean more playing time for Akeem Dent and Mike Peterson. Safety William Moore (quadriceps) missed another practice. Moore missed last Sunday’s game, and veteran James Sanders could end up starting in his place again.
Tampa Bay safety Tanard Jackson (hamstring) missed his second straight day of practice. But defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth returned and practiced fully after getting what the team said was a day of rest Wednesday. Haynesworth is listed on the report with a knee injury.
Carolina tight end Jeremy Shockey (ribs) missed his second straight day of practice. Linebacker James Anderson (ankle) practiced fully after sitting out Wednesday. Middle linebacker Dan Connor (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis for the second straight day.
The New Orleans Saints have a bye and don't have to issue an injury report.
Looks like Atlanta has some potentially major issues heading into Sunday’s game with Tennessee. Receiver Julio Jones (hamstring) missed another day of practice, meaning it’s becoming more likely he’ll sit out. Harry Douglas stepped up when Jones was hurt in Sunday’s loss to the Saints, but it might be nice if Roddy White could do the same. Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton was added to Thursday’s report with an ankle injury. If he can’t go, the Falcons might have to shuffle their linebackers, and that could involve some movement of the outside linebackers, which could mean more playing time for Akeem Dent and Mike Peterson. Safety William Moore (quadriceps) missed another practice. Moore missed last Sunday’s game, and veteran James Sanders could end up starting in his place again.
Tampa Bay safety Tanard Jackson (hamstring) missed his second straight day of practice. But defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth returned and practiced fully after getting what the team said was a day of rest Wednesday. Haynesworth is listed on the report with a knee injury.
Carolina tight end Jeremy Shockey (ribs) missed his second straight day of practice. Linebacker James Anderson (ankle) practiced fully after sitting out Wednesday. Middle linebacker Dan Connor (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis for the second straight day.
The New Orleans Saints have a bye and don't have to issue an injury report.
ATLANTA -- Falcons safety William Moore (quadriceps) will not play in Sunday’s game against New Orleans.
James Sanders will start in his place. In addition to Moore, the inactives for the Falcons are defensive back Darrin Walls, linebacker Spencer Adkins, center Brett Romberg, tackle Sam Baker, and defensive linemen Carlton Powell and Cliff Matthews.
James Sanders will start in his place. In addition to Moore, the inactives for the Falcons are defensive back Darrin Walls, linebacker Spencer Adkins, center Brett Romberg, tackle Sam Baker, and defensive linemen Carlton Powell and Cliff Matthews.
ATLANTA -- I just arrived at the Georgia Dome and am getting ready to cover the game between the Saints and Falcons.
Not much going on here yet. There are only a handful of Falcons out on the field playing catch. But things should get rolling soon enough.
I’ll be back with inactives roughly 90 minutes before the game, and that’s when we’ll find out for sure if some injured players (Atlanta’s William Moore and New Orleans’ Patrick Robinson) are playing.
Matt Williamson and I will be chatting throughout the game on Countdown Live. If you want to join us, check the blog a bit later and you’ll be able to get in. We’ll start promptly at 1 p.m. ET.
Not much going on here yet. There are only a handful of Falcons out on the field playing catch. But things should get rolling soon enough.
I’ll be back with inactives roughly 90 minutes before the game, and that’s when we’ll find out for sure if some injured players (Atlanta’s William Moore and New Orleans’ Patrick Robinson) are playing.
Matt Williamson and I will be chatting throughout the game on Countdown Live. If you want to join us, check the blog a bit later and you’ll be able to get in. We’ll start promptly at 1 p.m. ET.
Checking injuries that matter most
November, 11, 2011
11/11/11
4:13
PM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
We’re at the midway point of the season and guys are getting banged up. I guess that’s why we have what looks to be the most significant Friday injury report so far this season.
Some things already have been decided and some are still hanging out there. For the game-time decisions, be sure to check the blog about 90 minutes before kickoff Sunday. That’s when we start to get the game-day inactives.
Let’s start with the New Orleans Saints because they’ve got some very definitive news. Linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee) will miss his second straight game. Vilma is the heart and soul of the New Orleans defense and this one is going to hurt. Jo-Lonn Dunbar likely will start in Vilma’s place at middle linebacker. Defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) also has been declared out.
The rest of the New Orleans injury report isn’t quite as clear. Cornerback Patrick Robinson (stomach) is listed as questionable, but the good news is Tracy Porter (chest/neck) is listed as probable. Receiver Lance Moore (hamstring) and running back Chris Ivory (hamstring) are questionable.
There’s mixed news out of Atlanta. Safety William Moore (quadriceps) is listed as doubtful. That likely means veteran James Sanders will start in Moore’s place. On the bright side, rookie receiver Julio Jones (hamstring) is probable after practicing on a limited basis Friday.
Carolina linebacker James Anderson (ankle) did not practice Friday and is listed as questionable. The Panthers already lost their other two initial starting linebackers (Jon Beason) and Thomas Davis) to season-ending injuries.
Tampa Bay left guard Jeremy Zuttah, who missed last week’s game with a knee injury, is expected to be back in the starting lineup Sunday. Defensive tackle Frank Okam (calf) is questionable. That means it’s likely that newly-acquired Albert Haynesworth probably will get some playing time Sunday.
Some things already have been decided and some are still hanging out there. For the game-time decisions, be sure to check the blog about 90 minutes before kickoff Sunday. That’s when we start to get the game-day inactives.
Let’s start with the New Orleans Saints because they’ve got some very definitive news. Linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee) will miss his second straight game. Vilma is the heart and soul of the New Orleans defense and this one is going to hurt. Jo-Lonn Dunbar likely will start in Vilma’s place at middle linebacker. Defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) also has been declared out.
The rest of the New Orleans injury report isn’t quite as clear. Cornerback Patrick Robinson (stomach) is listed as questionable, but the good news is Tracy Porter (chest/neck) is listed as probable. Receiver Lance Moore (hamstring) and running back Chris Ivory (hamstring) are questionable.
There’s mixed news out of Atlanta. Safety William Moore (quadriceps) is listed as doubtful. That likely means veteran James Sanders will start in Moore’s place. On the bright side, rookie receiver Julio Jones (hamstring) is probable after practicing on a limited basis Friday.
Carolina linebacker James Anderson (ankle) did not practice Friday and is listed as questionable. The Panthers already lost their other two initial starting linebackers (Jon Beason) and Thomas Davis) to season-ending injuries.
Tampa Bay left guard Jeremy Zuttah, who missed last week’s game with a knee injury, is expected to be back in the starting lineup Sunday. Defensive tackle Frank Okam (calf) is questionable. That means it’s likely that newly-acquired Albert Haynesworth probably will get some playing time Sunday.
Checking the injuries that matter most
November, 10, 2011
11/10/11
4:33
PM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
Let’s take a look at the most significant injuries around the NFC South.
The Saints got a bit of good news as Tracy Porter (neck/chest) returned to practice on a limited basis. If Porter can play Sunday, that could help a secondary that may be a little short on depth. Cornerback Patrick Robinson (stomach) missed another day of practice. Linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee) also missed another practice and could miss his second straight game. The Saints also added receiver Lance Moore (hamstring) to the injury report. Moore did not practice Thursday.
Atlanta safety William Moore (quadriceps) missed his second straight day of practice. If Moore is unable to play Sunday, veteran James Sanders likely would start in his place. Atlanta receiver Julio Jones (hamstring) was added to Thursday's injury report and practiced on a limited basis. Jones missed two games with a hamstring injury before returning Sunday. Stay tuned on this one. Friday's injury report should give us a much better idea if Jones will play against the Saints.
Carolina linebacker James Anderson suffered an ankle injury during Thursday’s practice and left the field. Coach Ron Rivera later said he expects Anderson to be fine and able to play Sunday.
Tampa Bay defensive tackle Frank Okam (calf) missed another day of practice. That makes it more likely new addition Albert Haynesworth will play some role Sunday because Brian Price and Roy Miller are the only healthy defensive tackles. Linebacker Dekoda Watson (groin) was added to the injury report Thursday.
The Saints got a bit of good news as Tracy Porter (neck/chest) returned to practice on a limited basis. If Porter can play Sunday, that could help a secondary that may be a little short on depth. Cornerback Patrick Robinson (stomach) missed another day of practice. Linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee) also missed another practice and could miss his second straight game. The Saints also added receiver Lance Moore (hamstring) to the injury report. Moore did not practice Thursday.
Atlanta safety William Moore (quadriceps) missed his second straight day of practice. If Moore is unable to play Sunday, veteran James Sanders likely would start in his place. Atlanta receiver Julio Jones (hamstring) was added to Thursday's injury report and practiced on a limited basis. Jones missed two games with a hamstring injury before returning Sunday. Stay tuned on this one. Friday's injury report should give us a much better idea if Jones will play against the Saints.
Carolina linebacker James Anderson suffered an ankle injury during Thursday’s practice and left the field. Coach Ron Rivera later said he expects Anderson to be fine and able to play Sunday.
Tampa Bay defensive tackle Frank Okam (calf) missed another day of practice. That makes it more likely new addition Albert Haynesworth will play some role Sunday because Brian Price and Roy Miller are the only healthy defensive tackles. Linebacker Dekoda Watson (groin) was added to the injury report Thursday.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Pat Yasinskas
Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990.
