Notes: Rossum may get double duty

By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/24/05

FLOWERY BRANCH — After three preseason games of experimenting with upstarts in the return game, Falcons Pro Bowl returner Allen Rossum is scheduled to get a heavy dose of action Thursday, when the Falcons face the host Jacksonville Jaguars.

Rossum will return punts, where he earned a Pro Bowl berth last season and he will return kickoffs, which he also did last season, but with significantly less success than he had returning punts.

Coach Jim Mora said the Falcons were trying to find someone to take over for Rossum on kickoff returns so he could focus more on returning punts, but there remains some uncertainty about that role. Rookie DeAndra Cobb returned a kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown last week against Tennessee but he has not secured the job.

"We'll let him return some punts and some kickoffs," Mora said of Rossum. "We're going to work our starters more, and that includes special teams. We're going to put the units out there that we think are going to be out there when we open the regular season. So we'd still like to get DeAndra a return if we could, but I don't know if that will be possible."

Rossum might need a break on special teams because there is a chance he could start at right cornerback. Jason Webster (hamstring) has been limited in practice and did not participate in team drills during Wednesday's non-contact workout. Backup Kevin Mathis (hamstring) did not take part in Wednesday's practice.

Brooking returns, Price uncertain

After sitting out Saturday's 24-21 loss to Tennessee with sore right quadriceps and missing both contact practices this week, starting weak side linebacker Keith Brooking worked with the first unit Wednesday.

"I've never really been one that had a rule where if a guy didn't practice by Thursday of a Sunday game then he doesn't play. If a guy is ready to play on game day then we play him," Mora said. "With that being said, I think the preseason is a little different. We would hope that Keith would get a few snaps, just because it would be nice to have him and Ed [Hartwell] working in there with Ike [Reese] or Demorrio [Williams] and getting the cohesiveness that you'd get with that unit. But if that means risking further injury then we wouldn't do that."

If Brooking does not start, Reese would fill in. Williams is expected to start at strong side linebacker whether or not Brooking plays.

Price, Weiner questionable

Back up flanker Peerless Price (bruised ribs, concussion) missed this third day of practice and he remains questionable for Thursday's game. Rookie free agent Brian Bratton, who played collegiately at Furman and worked security and as an intern with the Falcons when they used to hold training camp there, has worked as Price's replacement in practice.

Starting right tackle Todd Weiner (back) missed his third day of practice and his status for tonight's game is uncertain. Barry Stokes has worked in Weiner's place and likely would start if Weiner can't play.

Rookie free agent wide receiver Cole Magner returned to practice after missing Tuesday's workout with an ankle injury suffered in practice Monday. Besides his sprained right ankle, Magner also said he has a chipped bone. The Alaskan, known to teammates as "Sunshine," is pushing for a roster spot and said missing this game would be critical.

I think Deandra Cobb must have shit in Mora's wheaties - I don't think Mora likes him

I think it's that fumble he had. Mora hasn't liked him since he fumbled the ball against the Colts.

Speaking of not liking players, did you see his comment about Price in his interview on the Falcons home page?

It MAY not have been intended to be negative, but man, you could sure interperet it a LOT of diff. ways. :huh:

what'd he say?

So you saw him fumble the ball against the Colts too, right?? I knew I saw him do it, but the person arguing with me pulled out the Official Falcons site play list, and said that Cobb did not play..I could've sworn that was him that fumbled, but a penalty negated it... n7rryb iy88767

I *think* that's exactly what happened. I remember Cobb putting the ball on the ground in that game, but the play got negated on a hold or something.

Maybe I'm crazy. iy88767