The Atlanta Falcons were hoping to get several players back from injuries as they prepare to face off against the Chicago Bears in the Georgia Dome. However, that plan is not working out that well as they could be down three offensive stars on Sunday. The practice field was certainly missing some big names as Harry Douglas, Devin Hester and Justin Blalock found their names on the injury lists.
The Falcons were forced to rule Douglas out for the third straight game as he continues to nurse a deep bruise in his foot. Fantasy owners are likely growing a little frustrated with Douglas. The wide receiver jumped onto the scene with a breakout season last year, putting up over 1,000 yards in wake of injuries to Julio Jones and Roddy White. However, this season has been different as the veteran is struggling to stay on the field. Head coach Mike Smith has not given a timetable for Douglas' return, simply saying that he is day-to-day.
Hester returned to practice on Friday, but is uncertain for his reunion against the Bears. The receiver has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury that could keep him off the field. Hester jogged in place for reporters on Thursday, stressing that there was nothing wrong with him and he would be ready to go on Sunday. This is a game Hester has likely had marked on his calendar for some time now. After stating Chicago next offered him a contract extension, the receiver is ready to prove to them they would wrong. Hester would literally have to be missing his hamstring entirely to not play on Sunday.
On the chance that both wide receivers are out on Sunday, the Falcons are in a huge hole. Yes, Jones and White will be on the field, but they will be the main targets of every defenders on the field. Levine Toilolo could benefit from that. The Sunday matchup is a faceoff between two of the best wide receiver tandems in the league. White and Jones will go head-to-head with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery which could make for a very fun afternoon. Jones was quick to praise the duo ahead of the meetup. However, he is not interested in focusing on a competition.
"We just have to go out there and do what we do," Jones said via the team website. "We've got to follow our game plan and go out there and make plays; we can't worry about Chicago receivers, because they don't have an affect on how we play. Everybody is always comparing me and Roddy to them and a lot of other duos in the league, but I don't really watch other receivers at all; I just try to focus on my game and try to get better as a player."
