Falcons DT Corey Peters returned to practice today

Sep 25, 2011; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Corey Peters (91) and umpire Garth DeFelice (53) chat between downs during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Fernando Medina-US PRESSWIRE

The Atlanta Falcons received some really good news today from their practice up in Flowery Branch. That news came in the form of defensive tackle Corey Peters who suffered a stress fracture in his foot and missed most of training camp as well as the first six games of the season. He finally returned to practice for the Falcons today.

Peters was a dominant force for the Falcons defensive line in 2011, and was expected to be just as big a part in this 2012 season. Unfortunately, he was injured early in the preseason, and was forced to shut it down for a good while. The Falcons expected him to be a big part of their defensive tackle rotation, but obviously he has been out. And clearly his presence has been missed in defending the run.

He was able to rehab his foot and workout on his own with the Falcons physical therapy/training staff, but nothing prepares a player like practice on the field or in actual game situations.

It’s unlikely that Peters will play Sunday against the Eagles, but it could happen. More likely is that the Falcons take a couple weeks to monitor the conditioning and physical readiness of Peters and then make a decision on whether or not to play him.

The Falcons have three weeks to either add him to their active roster, or put him on the injured reserve, ending his season.

It may not happen for a couple weeks, but the fact that Peters is returning to practice is a good sign. For a team lacking interior pass-rush and good play against the run, Peters represents a big potential boon to this Falcons team.