Atlanta Falcons Week 8 Injury Report

October 7, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas (83) runs with the ball past Washington Redskins cornerback Richard Crawford (39) in the second quarter at FedEx Field. The Falcons won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

Its the time of the week to once again look at the Atlanta Falcons injury report coming into Week 8. It’s crucial to the Falcons plans against the Eagles to be as healthy as possible.

The Falcons injury report is fairly short, which is a good sign considering they are just coming off their bye week and most of the players are very well rested. Here is the list:

DT Jonathan Babineaux saw limited practice Wednesday and Thursday with a groin injury.

WR Harry Douglas has not practiced Wed. or Thurs. with a knee/ankle injury.

TE Michael Palmer saw limited practice Wed. & Thurs. with shoulder injury.

OG Garrett Reynolds saw limited practice Wed. & Thurs. with back injury.

RB Antoine Smith didn’t practice Wed., and was limited in practice Thurs. with a hamstring injury.

None of these injuries are surprising or particularly bad. Babineaux, Palmer, Reynolds, and Smith all were suffering these injuries before the bye week. Only Smith and Palmer didn’t play, and I would expect Palmer to be ready to play on Sunday.

The only injury of concern is Harry Douglas’ injury. He hasn’t been a huge part of what the Falcons are doing so far in 2012, but having him be a receiving option is very important. It keeps defenses honest, and if they decide to double team two of the Falcons receivers, it leaves Douglas in one-on-one coverage where he is dangerous. Not having him in the lineup could hurt, and it would force Kevin Cone into the game when the Falcons decide to go with three wide receivers.