The Atlanta Falcons are hoping their injury woes are slowly being put behind them. At the start of the season, the team was predicted to have the best wide receiving corps in the entire league. Fast forward to Week 9 and Julio Jones has been lost for the year. Steven Jackson is injured. Roddy White has a high ankle sprain. Tony Gonzalez is double covered every game. However, things might start to change as White has been back at practice and possibly is going to play against the Carolina Panthers.
The four-time Pro Bowler has missed the last two games for the Falcons after battling both hamstring and ankle issues. His absence has allowed other players to step up, but the Falcons could use White healthy for the back half of the season. The wide receiver practiced twice this week without limitations, meaning he could be a key figure in Sunday's NFC South matchup.
White played the first five games of the season with an ankle injury. While he was out on the field, it was noticeable he was struggle. The receiver mainly played the role of a decoy to try and distract defenses away from Jones. He struggled with cutting and only managed 129 yards off 14 catches. White says he is feeling much better now.
"I felt good today,'' White said, via the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "My first time getting out there [this week], so I wanted to test it out, see how it is. Doing well. Running some routes. Did some things that's in the game plan, so I felt real good out there."
With White struggling, Harry Douglas has become fantasy gold for owners. The receiver, who has always been a reliable No. 3, has stepped into the leading receiver role well. In the past two games without White or Jones, Douglas has put up 270 yards and one score. He has averaged 21.3 yards per catch as Ryan's new top target.
Even if White returns, Douglas still remains the better option for fantasy. His numbers will likely still be very high as White will not be fully healthy on the field. Head coach Mike Smith notes the receiver is a game-time decision. They will likely play him if White says he is healthy simply because they need bodies.
The return of White will not fix the struggling Falcons offense. The team has failed on every level as the offensive line and run game has struggled to remain consistent. If White returns, he would at least be one welcomed presence on the field.