Falcons lineman back on field

Flowery Branch — Falcons offensive lineman Alex Stepanovich, who suffered a lower back injury on Aug. 11, returned to practice on Wednesday.

“It felt pretty good,” said Stepanovich, who was limited to most drills. “I’m trying to work my way back in, slowly but surely. I want to come back and help contribute.”

Stepanovich, the team’s top backup center, was taken off the field on a cart at the time of the injury. He started running last week.

“I’ve just been working hard, trying to get back on the field as soon as I could,” Stepanovich said. “I just want to come back and help in anyway that I can.”

Stepanovich and linebacker Coy Wire (ankle) were the only players listed on the Falcons injury report. Wire participated in all of practice.

With Stepanovich’s return the Falcons are nearly at full strength.

“One of our main goals was to try to start the season as healthy and as fresh as possible,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “That’s been something that we’ve monitored all through training camp. We’re excited that we’ve been able to accomplish that.”

The Falcons’ offensive line paved the way for a team-record 318-yard rushing performance Sunday against Detroit. Getting Stepanovich back will add some depth to the unit.

“Alex can play both center and guard,” Smith said. “Both left and right guard.”

Eyes back on campus

Some Falcons have their eyes on the game Saturday between No. 1 USC and No. 5 Ohio State.

Left tackle Sam Baker, a USC alum, doesn’t have any wagers with the former Ohio State Buckeyes on the roster, but he said: “There’s been a lot of talk.”

He also gave a semi-prediction.

“It’s in the Coliseum,” Baker said. “It’s hard to beat the Trojans in the Coliseum. That’s all I’m saying.”

Tight end Ben Hartsock, who played at Ohio State, has been monitoring the availability of Buckeyes running back Chris Wells.

“I read that Beanie Wells is going to play,” Hartsock said. “That makes things even more exciting. Everybody has been talking about Ohio State not doing well against Ohio. I think will be no problem with Ohio State being ready and prepared for this game. It’s something that they are accustomed to, and I think they’ll do well.”

Wide receiver Michael Jenkins, defensive end Simon Fraser and Stepanovich are other former Buckeyes on the roster. Baker is the only former Trojans player.

Etc.

Two former Falcons, wide receiver Joe Horn and quarterback Joey Harrington, had workouts with the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday, but the Titans elected to sign former Tampa Bay quarterback Chris Simms. … The Lions registered one sack against the Falcons by defensive end Dewayne White. Smith said Baker and left guard Justin Blalock should receive an half credit each for giving up the sack. White came free on an inside stunt.