Pain is the name of the game for Falcons

By Darrell Laurant  |   Thursday, November 09, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Atlanta Falcons
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At least Jim Mora could still laugh about it.

Asked who he might start in his defensive backfield against the Cleveland Browns this Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons' coach mused: "We've got about 150 interceptions between our secondary coaches. Maybe we can rotate some of them in."

It might come to that. Jason Webster suffered a groin injury in practice this week and will be out for an extended period. DeAngelo Hall tweaked his hamstring and is questionable. That meant rookie Jimmy Williams was probably going to see his first extensive playing time, except that he limped off the field on Thursday with a sore ankle.

Meanwhile, defensive end John Abraham remains on the shelf with an abdominal injury. Fellow lineman Rod Coleman has turf toe. Linebacker Ed Hartwell returned to action after lengthy knee and hamstring problems, but proved lacking in lateral movement and was benched again. Offensive guard Matt Lehr has another week to serve on his steroids suspension, while O-lineman Kynan Forney and nickel back Kevin Mathis were placed on injured reserve this week.

The only good news is that Browns QB Charlie Frye is questionable with a sore thumb on his throwing hand.

Maybe they should just forget about football and substitute a rousing game of wheelchair basketball.

The Falcons did bring in 31-year-old Lance Schulters as a substitute defensive back, but he sat out the first half of the season and needs a little time to get ready.

Oh, yes -- rookie Atlanta running back Jerious Norwood is also hurt, which necessitated the call-up of RB Marlion Jackson from the practice squad. Jackson, who attended Saginaw Valley State, was fourth in the league with 204 rushing yards during the preseason.

"That's the way it is in this game," said Mora. "You're going to have injuries. You've just got to go play."

That is, if you can find anybody to play with.

Follow the Atlanta Falcons compete for the NFC South crown at RealFootball365.com
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