*Austin Hooper – Noteworthy
TE Austin Hooper caught a career-high nine receptions for 77 yards, the third-most of his career. Hooper’s importance in the passing game continues to grow; he has 21 catches for 202 yards and one touchdown.
Derrick Shelby – Noteworthy – Injury
DE Derrick Shelby (groin) missed his second game, but could return this week. His status won’t be known until later in the week.
Devonta Freeman – Noteworthy – Injury
RB Devonta Freeman of the Atlanta Falcons, who missed three games because of a knee injury, was back on the injury report on Wednesday, when he missed practice because of a foot injury.
Freeman, who injured his right knee in the Falcons’ opener and did not play again until a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, has a bone contusion in the foot according to the NFL Network, but he did some individual work on the side while his teammates practiced. Against the Steelers, Freeman had 41 total yards on 10 touches while taking part in 28 snaps, the most of any Falcons running back. Tevin Coleman recorded 26 snaps, while Ito Smith tallied 11. Freeman has 14 carries for 68 yards, a 4.9-yard average, when he has been able to play this season, but has not scored a touchdown. He also has five receptions for 23 yards.
Grady Jarrett – Noteworthy – Injury
DT Grady Jarrett (ankle, knee) missed the Steelers game, but could return this week. His status won’t be known until later in the week. Head coach Dan Quinn said the Falcons won’t put him on the field “until he can be his explosive self.”
Justin Bethel – Noteworthy – Injury
CB Justin Bethel (knee) did not play against Pittsburgh, but is close to returning. His status won’t be known until later in the week. He is the closest to being ready.
Matt Ryan – Noteworthy – Injury
QB Matt Ryan got hit on the penultimate series that resulted in a fumble and did not return for the final series. He received an X-ray at the stadium and head coach Dan Quinn said, “He is 100 percent good to go.”