Falcons 2nd-round pick returns to practice

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons rookie safety William Moore, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee earlier this month, returned to practice Tuesday.

“It felt excellent,” said Moore, the team’s second-round draft pick. “I got back out there. I was doing my thing, moving around fast.”

Moore, who was expected to compete for one of the starting safety spots, spent his time away from the team studying the defense and said he was able to see things “from another perspective.”

Moore, who played at Missouri, missed the Falcons’ game in St. Louis last week against the Rams, which meant a missed opportunity to play in front of family and friends.

“Going back home, a lot of people wanted to see me play,” Moore said. “They’ll get another chance to.”

Coach Mike Smith said the staff is eager for more chances to evaluate Moore.

“We are hoping that he’s not going to have any residual affects and will be able to put two practices together,” Smith said. “We are excited to see him back out there.”

Smith liked what he saw Tuesday.

“I thought he moved around fairly well,” Smith said. “We’ll just have to see how his knee responds after the workload he had today.”

Smith was not ready to pronounce that Moore would play against the Chargers on Saturday at the Georgia Dome, saying it depends on how the knee responds to the physical activity.

While Moore returned, rookie cornerback Christopher Owens missed practiced with a sore leg. He’s expected to return Wednesday.

White next to kick?

Don’t expect the Falcons to let wide receiver Roddy White kick any field goals if something happens to Jason Elam.

Smith doesn’t plan to take a page from his coaching buddy Marvin Lewis’ book. Lewis called on wide receiver Chad Ochocinco to kick off and kick a field goal last week for Cincinnati.

Punter Michael Koenen kicked some field goals Tuesday and will serve as the emergency field-goal kicker.

“I’ve seen Roddy kick some extra points, but I’ve never seen him kick off,” Smith said.

Notable

● The Falcons, who have to cut their roster to 75 players by next Tuesday, released linebacker Edmond Miles on Tuesday. The roster is now at 78.

● Defensive back Von Hutchins missed all of last season with a broken foot. While he has returned to practice, he is not fully recovered. “I don’t believe he’s 100 percent still at this time,” Smith said. “We’ve worked him at safety, and we’ve worked him at nickel. We’ve cross-trained him.”

● Defensive tackle Jason Jefferson has been out of practice for two weeks with a groin and hip flexor injury. “We’ll know a lot more about him in the next couple of days,” Smith said.