Foster’s return expected to boost Falcons’ offensive line

Flowery Branch — The Falcons’ offensive line could receive a boost with the return of tackle Renardo Foster. However, defensive tackle Trey Lewis is expected to miss the entire season.

Foster and Lewis are both battling back from offseason knee surgeries.

Foster opened the season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. Lewis was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.

After six weeks plus a 21-day practice period, the team has to make a decision on whether to activate the players.

Foster’s set to return to practice after Sunday’s game against Chicago. Lewis is not.

“I’m supposed to be back next week,” Foster said. “As far as positions, I’m not clear on that. I’m assuming that it will be either tackle, left or right.”

Foster, 6-foot-7, 340-pounds, made the team as an undrafted rookie free agent last season. He started two games and played in seven.

“As of now, I’m still getting a lot of conditioning,” Foster said. “I’m still in the meeting rooms and trying to get my body in football shape so when I’m out there I’m up to par with the rest of the guys.”

Lewis, a sixth-round draft pick in 2007, made an impact as a rookie. He started five games and played in nine.

“I doesn’t look like I’m going to get out there this year,” Lewis said. “It’s kind of too risky right now. They want me to come back 100 percent next season.”

Lewis showed some success rushing the passer and had an interception last season. He injured his knee on Nov. 18 against Tampa Bay. He re-injured the knee in March walking down the steps and needed additional surgery.

“I don’t know if they’ll put me on (injured reserve) just for technical purposes,” Lewis said. “I guess there is still a small chance that I can practice or something. That could keep me off of IR.”

Lewis was hopeful to make it back this season.

“It’s tough because I want to play, but at the same time, I know it’s not quite ready yet,” Lewis said. “Once I do come back I want to be 100 percent.”