The Atlanta Falcons are hoping to keep their strong start to the season going as they prepare to face the Houston Texans in Week 4 as a few new faces could be on the field when the team returns to the Georgia Dome. With players like Jacob Tamme and Tevin Coleman expected to be out with injuries, Jake Long could be making his debut for the Falcons while Devin Hester looks probable as well.
The Falcons have been missing Hester, especially on special teams. The wide receiver was a nice surprise last year as he made a huge difference not only as a return man, but a receiving option for quarterback Matt Ryan. With more depth needed, getting Hester back would be big. According to ESPN's Vaughn McClure, Hester has been back at practice since suffering a turf toe injury which is a good sign for a return in Week 4. Hester was originally thought to be out for at least four weeks, but an early return would be welcomed.
The Falcons would have a log jam at receivers with Hester back. With Julio Jones leading the pack, Roddy White, Leonard Hankerson, Nick Williams and Eric Weems have been battling for time on the field while rookie Justin Hardy remains inactive. Jones, Devonta Freeman and Coleman were all listed on the injury report, but are expected to play Week 4. Getting Hester back into the mix would take targets away from someone. White has had no catches in the past two games because of this, but Ryan is confident that changes quickly.
"He's going to make a lot of plays for us," Ryan said, via ESPN.com. "... You hate seeing something like that not continue, primarily because I love Roddy. It stinks, but the game kind of shakes out. Coverage kind of dictates where it goes. He'll be a huge part of what we do all year."
Jake Long could also be prepping for his Falcons debut sooner rather than later. Head coach Dan Quinn told the media that he believes Long is coming along well and he will work in as a backup swing tackle. Quinn stated he was very pleased with the progress of Long and is confident that the lineman makes a big different for the team, something the former top pick is eager to do.
"I just want to play football. I love this game," Long said, via the Detroit Free Press. "I want to come here and help this team win, whatever capacity that is. I'm going to compete, help this line get better, get better myself, and help this team get better. "