Justin Peelle News

FLOWERY BRANCH After the Falcons' game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, tight end Justin Peelle had a pretty serious medical appointment.

Former Falcons standout Chuck Smith went to help out the New York Jets in training camp and was subsequently asked to stay on for the season as a pass rushing consultant.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who is battling a turf toe injury, will not play today against the New Orleans Saints.

Matt Ryan missed his sixth straight practice with the Atlanta Falcons, but coach Mike Smith listed the second-year quarterback as questionable on the team's injury report Friday.

FLOWERY BRANCH Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan tested his turf toe injury on Wednesday during the team's closed walk through session.

Former St. Albans and Marshall tight end Jason Rader has been re-signed by the Atlanta Falcons, where he help out on special teams and be the team's third tight end.

A A Last season, you knew the law of injury averages would catch up to the Falcons, but you never thought it would happen all the very next season.

Falcons linebacker Tony Gilbert, who suffered a hamstring injury on Sunday against Philadelphia, was placed on injured reserve and will be out for the reminder of the season.

He opened the first series a little wild with a low pass into the turf and then a high one.

Once hale and hardy, the Falcons ' playoff hopes are officially on life support.

For example, Houston was called for pass interference on a play when it appeared that he could have turned around and made a play on the ball.

Falcons head coach Mike Smith has been fined $15,000 for his role in a sideline scuffle during Atlanta's win over Washington in Week Nine, according to various reports.

The Carolina Panthers appear to be happy just to see avoiding more mistakes. The NFC South rivals meet for the second time this season Sunday with both clubs facing questions about their quarterbacks.

After being limited all week in practice, Falcons RB Michael Turner appears fine and is officially probable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys .

Five things we learned from the host Falcons' 21-14 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday night: 1. Both teams love using their tight ends.

Fullback Ovie Mughelli , who suffered a calf injury in the San Francisco game, did not practice Wednesday.

Atlanta Falcons' Roddy White celebrates a touchdown with teammates Justin Peelle and Tony Gonzalez during Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers.

In the N.F.L., the "genius" label can only be rented. A few individuals, like Bill Belichick, get to lease it on favorable terms.

Norwood suffered a head injury Sunday against Carolina, and coach Mike Smith said Norwood was "day by day." Norwood initially suffered a head injury in the preseason when he took a crushing hit from San Diego's Antonio Cromartie.

Over the next 72 hours, Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff and Falcons head coach Mike Smith will be busy putting the final touches on the 53-man roster.