FALCONS REPORT: Smith expects Jackson to play

Flowery Branch —- Falcons head coach Mike Smith is anticipating that defensive tackle Grady Jackson will be eligible to play against New Orleans on Sunday.

“We are going forward like he will be playing,” Smith said after Wednesday’s practice.

Jackson has been suspended for four games by the NFL for allegedly using a banned diuretic in violation of the league’s steroids and related substances policy. Jackson appealed the suspension, and his case is pending before the league office, which requested further information from his representatives on Tuesday.

The league suspended six players, including three from the Saints.

Defensive end Charles Grant, running back Deuce McAllister and defensive end Will Smith were suspended for four games without pay and will not play this week.

Grant was already on injured reserve. McAllister was playing in a reserve role, while Smith is one of the Saints top tacklers and pass rushers.

“It’s disappointing,” Saints wide receiver Lance Moore said. “But it wasn’t like one of those things that suddenly happened. We knew there was a potential for it. … Now we just have to rally. The guys behind those guys have to step up and play even better.”

Baker’s back

Offensive tackle Sam Baker returned to practice Wednesday. He had a discectomy on Oct. 28 to improve a lower back and hip injury. He is expecting to be available to play against the Saints.

Baker, who started five games, has missed the last five.

Also, wide receiver Laurent Robinson, who missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, returned to practice.

Left tackle Todd Weiner (knee), safety Erik Coleman (quadriceps contusion) and cornerback Brent Grimes (knee) did not practice.

Rader steps in

Tight end Jason Rader, who was added to the roster last week when Ben Hartsock was placed on injured reserve, saw significant playing team against San Diego.

Backs against wall

The Saints (6-6) don’t think a 9-7 team will make the playoffs from the NFC this season. They are approaching Sunday’s game as an elimination game, according to Moore.

The Falcons expect the Saints’ best shot, since they are backed into a corner.

“It’s kind of a make-or-break game for these guys,” linebacker Keith Brooking said. “We realize that. It’s not going to change our mentality or our focus going into the game. They have a very good record at home. They are a very good football team, period.”

Shockley loses bet

Backup quarterback D.J. Shockley came up on the short end of his bet with Brooking.

Because Georgia Tech beat Georgia last Saturday, Shockley, the former Bulldog, had to appear in the locker room wearing a black-and-gold Georgia Tech Santa hat and a gold T-shirt that said “Beat the Dawgs” in black script.