Jackson, Milloy likely will play

Flowery Branch —- It appears defensive tackle Grady Jackson and safety Lawyer Milloy will be available for Sunday’s game at Oakland.

Again on Thursday, Jackson did not deny that he received a letter from the NFL office stating he was facing a four-game suspension for violation of the league’s drug policy.

Milloy is not likely facing a suspension for his hit on Philadelphia tight end L.J. Smith last Sunday. Smith left the game with a concussion after the hit, and Milloy was penalized for unnecessary roughness. The NFL announces fines today.

As to whether there was anything new, Falcons coach Mike Smith said no. When pressed, Smith said, “I really can’t talk about that. I don’t know anything.”

The Falcons did add a big nose tackle, J’Vonne Parker, 6 feet 4, 325 pounds, to their practice squad this week and released defensive end Sean Conover.

“He’s a big defensive tackle,” Smith said of Parker, who has played with Cleveland, Dallas and Baltimore. “He’s been a nose tackle in the 3-4 [formation] in his two previous stops.”

Also, tight end Jason Rader was released.

Baker has surgery

Left tackle Sam Baker underwent discectomy surgery on his lower back Thursday in California, and it was termed a success by the team.

“I’m happy to have the procedure behind me,” Baker said in statement released by the team. “I look forward to getting back on the field with my teammates as soon as possible.”

Baker injured his back on Oct. 22. He tried to play against Philadelphia on Sunday but was a game-time scratch. Baker saw two hip specialists on Wednesday before it was determined he needed back surgery.

Baker has started five games this season and played a major role in helping the offensive line cut down giving up sacks and helped the rushing attack to average 150.3 yards per game, third in the league. He has missed three games and parts of two others due to the hip injury and a concussion.

Anderson returns

Defensive end Jamaal Anderson returned to practice Thursday. He got a concussion Sunday against Philadelphia and missed practice Wednesday.

“That’s a positive step,” Smith said. “Hopefully he’ll have no residual effects and he’ll be ready to go [today].”

Good loser

Center Todd McClure lost his bet with quarterback D.J. Shockley when Georgia beat LSU last week. This week he’s had to wear Georgia clothing at practice.

“That’s a bet I made, and I’ve got to live up to it,” said McClure, sporting his red hat and gray Georgia Bulldogs T-shirt. “My baby-sitter is a big Georgia fan, and she was real excited to know that I had to do this.”

The gag was a hit in the locker room.

“I kind of like seeing Todd in the Georgia red,” quarterback Matt Ryan said.

“I was really hoping that I was going to see D.J. Shockley in the purple LSU jumpsuit.”

“This is terrible,” muttered McClure as he walked by Ryan. “This is very embarrassing.”

Rookie honor

Ryan was named NFC rookie of the month, becoming the first player in franchise history to earn the honor. In three October games, the quarterback led the Falcons to a 2-1 record.

He completed 61-of-100 passes for 772 yards and five touchdowns.

Cable fan

McClure called Tom Cable when he was named Oakland’s interim head coach after its 1-3 start. Cable coached the Falcons’ offensive line in 2006.

“It’s a great opportunity for him out there,” McClure said.

“I think he could be a good head coach out there with the right systems.”

Cable is fond of his former players. “Those are some really good people, the two Todds [McClure and Weiner],” Cable said.

“Those are as good of men that you are going to find, I don’t care what business you’re in. Tyson Clabo is another one. Quinn Ojinnaka, that whole group had tremendous character and it was really an honor to coach those guys.

“I wish them well, every day but this Sunday.”

McFadden a go

Raiders running back Darren McFadden, the No. 5 pick in the 2008 draft, has been slowed by turf toe.

“He feels better,” Cable said. “Right now, everything is a go. We’ll just have to see day to day if we have any setbacks.”