Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said the team expects inside linebacker Divine Deablo to return to the active roster soon, as preparations continue for their upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints. The Falcons opened Deablo’s 21-day window to return from injured reserve on Wednesday, but indications suggest he could be available well before that period ends.
“I expect to see him,” Morris said about Deablo. “I don’t want to act like I’m going to activate him and not see him. I hope we’re going to see him unless something otherwise says something.” Morris added that a setback is the only thing that would prevent Deablo from returning as anticipated.
Deablo participated in practice with some limitations on Wednesday and was a full participant by Thursday. He explained that his limited status was due more to the team gradually increasing his workload than any physical restriction related to his healing fractured forearm. This week, he has practiced with a club-like cast on his arm.
“Honestly, I need to run at full speed,” Deablo said Wednesday when asked what he needs from himself before playing Sunday in New Orleans. “I need to make sure my endurance is right, make sure my mind is right as well, make sure I know my assignments and make sure I can do everything at the best level possible. Then, I’ll be ready.”
The latest injury report released by the Falcons shows several other players’ statuses ahead of Sunday’s game:
Full participation:
– ILB Divine Deablo (forearm)
– CB Dee Alford (concussion)
– CB Mike Hughes (neck)
– S Xavier Watts (illness)
– ILB Malik Verdon (shoulder)
– DL Brandon Dorlus (oblique)
Limited participation:
– EDGE Leonard Floyd (hamstring)
– G Chris Lindstrom (foot)
– G Matthew Bergeron (ankle)
Did not participate:
– WR Drake London (knee)
– ILB Josh Woods (hamstring)
– DL Zach Harrison (knee)
