FALCONS REPORT: Jackson: No word from NFL

Flowery Branch —- Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jackson, who is appealing a four-game suspension from the NFL, doesn’t know when his hearing will be scheduled.

When asked if he’d heard from the league about his appeal, Jackson said, “Not yet.”

He has played in the last two games since getting notice of his suspension for taking a diuretic that the league deems to be a masking agent under its steroids testing policy.

Jackson can keep playing until his appeal is heard and a decision is rendered.

“It’s tough, but you can’t worry about it,” Jackson said. “You just go out there and play every week until that time comes.”

Jackson is hopeful that he can win his appeal.

“Really, I don’t know,” Jackson said. “It’s hard to say.”

With the Falcons 6-3 and one game out of first place, Jackson may have to miss a playoff push if he is suspended by the league later this season.

“I’m just going to keep on playing and take each week at a time,” Jackson said.

Jackson didn’t want to comment on the class-action lawsuit that he filed on Monday against the manufacturer of StarCaps diet pills, the supplement he claims caused the drug suspension.

“No comment on that,” Jackson said.

Hackney backup QB in Denver

Darrell Hackney, a former star at Douglass High School is Atlanta, is the backup quarterback for Denver, the Falcons’ opponent this week.

Hackney is Alabama-Birmingham’s all-time leading passer, where he teamed up with Falcons wide receiver Roddy White for two seasons.

Elam keeps up with old mates

Falcons kicker Jason Elam has kept up with his former teammates in Denver via text messaging throughout the season.

“I couldn’t have kicked there forever,” said Elam, who played 15 seasons for the Broncos.

“It was a fun time for me. I played for just two coaches, Wade Phillips and Mike Shanahan. It was just a great organization.”

Elam, a Brookwood High graduate, signed with the Falcons as a free agent.

“It’s really tough to see him in another uniform,” Shanahan said. “He’s a clutch player.”

Matt Prater, who was cut by the Falcons after missing two field goals against Jacksonville in Week 2 of last season, has replaced Elam in Denver.

“He’s done a great job for us,” Shanahan said. “He’s been very consistent with his field goals. I think he’s 5-for-5 on plus-50 [yarders].”

Broncos restock with new backs

Fullback Peyton Hills, the former Arkansas standout, is likely to start at running back for the Broncos. They also signed Tatum Bell, a former 1,000-yard rusher.

The Broncos have lost four running backs —- Anthony Alridge, Michael Pittman, Andre Hall and Ryan Torain —- for the season. Selvin Young has also missed time.

“Any time you play a Mike Shanahan team you know they are going to run the football and run it well,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “It really doesn’t matter who the running back has been. I don’t think it will matter this week.”

Miller switches jersey number

Falcons defensive end Brandon Miller, on his first day on the active roster, got his jersey number changed from 68 to 96. He took punt returner Adam Jennings’ spot on the roster.

“I think Brandon is very deserving of this opportunity,” Smith said. “He’s worked hard. We are down a little bit on the defensive line with Kindal Moorehead’s foot [injury].”

‘98 alumni to be honored

More than 60 former Falcons players and coaches and members for the 1998 Super Bowl team will be honored at halftime of Sunday’s game.