Atlanta Falcons Week 6 Injury Report

Sep 22, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas (54) during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

It’s the time of the week to check out the injury reports of both the Atlanta Falcons and the Oakland Raiders in anticipation of their week 6 matchup. Here is the Falcons complete injury list.

Most of the players on the list saw limited practice both Wednesday and Thursday. That’s nothing too serious. The injuries that these players are dealing with are simply tweaks and their limited time has more to do with them getting rest than them being seriously injured. For example, Todd McClure saw limited practice last week with a pectoral injury. Obviously, he started against the Redskins, and played very well. He is once again listed with the same injury, and is seeing limited practice action. Along with most of the players on the list, it’s nothing much to worry about.

Only three injuries are worrisome, and two of them could have an impact on the game against the Raiders. Antoine Smith has not practiced, but I’m not too terribly concerned. It wasn’t likely he was going to get much playing time.

Stephen Nicholas is a major concern. He didn’t play in the second half against Washington, and also didn’t practice on Wednesday. He saw limited practice on Thursday, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he will play against Oakland. He’s a very active and important member of the Falcons team, and not having him in the starting lineup could present a challenge. Continue to look after Nicholas’ injury situation today and any news over the weekend.

Finally, Michael Palmer hasn’t practiced in two solid weeks and didn’t play against Washington either. He must have suffered a severe injury that isn’t quite serious enough to knock him out for the season. I doubt he plays on Sunday, but he will probably be back after the bye week.

Here is the Oakland Raiders official injury report.

I’m not nearly as familiar with the Raiders roster and injury history so far this season, but there is one noteworthy player on the list. The first is defensive tackle Tommy Kelly. He was limited in practice Wednesday, and did not practice Thursday. He either was given a full day of rest, or his injury has gotten worse. I can’t say for sure, but he is a good piece on this Oakland defense.

Best of health to both teams. Go Falcons!