Falcons CB Terrell again at apply after lacking 3 video games

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell returned to apply on Wednesday after lacking three video games with a hamstring damage.

Coach Arthur Smith stated he’s “hopeful” Terrell, the staff’s high defensive again, can return for Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the Chicago Bears.

Terrell suffered the damage on Oct. 16 in opposition to San Francisco and tried to return the next week, when he was on the sector for under eight performs in opposition to Cincinnati. He was inactive the previous three video games.

Terrell’s damage got here after Atlanta’s different season-opening starter at cornerback, Casey Hayward, was positioned on injured reserve with a shoulder damage. Hayward has missed 4 video games.

Falcons offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield, who opened the season on injured reserve with a again damage, was designated to return on Wednesday and in addition was at apply. When wholesome, Mayfield might present assist at left guard, the place accidents have pressured Atlanta to make use of three starters.

Opening day beginning left guard Elijah Wilkinson (knee) and his alternative, Matt Hennessy (knee) have been positioned on injured reserve the previous two weeks. Colby Gossett began in final week’s 25-15 loss at Carolina.

Falcons offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford stated Hennessy, who began two video games at heart as a rookie in 2020, and Gossett have proven versatility whereas serving to the offensive line undergo three starters at left guard.

“The factor about it’s we have been capable of get a variety of these guys reps at a variety of completely different positions all through coaching camp,” Ledford stated. “In case you’re not going into the season and also you’re one of many (starters), you’ve to have the ability to play a number of positions to supply a variety of depth and simply worth to your self.”

Equally, Mayfield has performed sort out and guard. After lacking the primary 10 video games, Mayfield may have a couple of week to be prepared to come back off IR.

“It’ll be good to get Jalen again on the market and get him practising and beginning to take reps,” Ledford stated.

“Clearly it’s been some time since he’s been on the market, however it’s all the time thrilling for us as coaches to get guys again and see him out on the apply discipline.”

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