Falcons' Abraham practices, will play Sunday

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons All-Pro defensive end John Abraham plans to play against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

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Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com Falcons defensive end Jon Abraham expects to play in Sunday's season opener against Miami.

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He’s listed on the injury report with a knee injury, but participated fully in practice Thursday. He practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Abraham said. “It’s nothing serious. They always put me on the report for something, but I’m fine. Sunday is the day.”

Abraham wants to chase around his former teammate, Miami quarterback Chad Pennington. They were drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2000 draft. Abraham was chosen third, Pennington 18th.

They played together in New York for six seasons before Abraham signed with the Falcons as a free agent.

After the Jets released Pennington when they signed Brett Favre, he landed in Miami.

“They do a good job of protecting Chad,” Abraham said. “They leave the tight end and sometimes the backs in.”

The knock on Pennington is that he doesn’t have much arm strength. On the flip side, he’s extremely accurate on his short and intermediate passes.

“Chad knows what he’s good at,” Abraham said.

Biermann ready

Second-year Kroy Biermann is ready for his expanded role at defensive end. He’s likely to play more in pass-rushing situations.

“John [Abraham] and just the older guys have done a great job of helping me out and coaching me along,” Biermann said. “I feel confident. I feel comfortable out there.”

Biermann, a fifth-round draft pick, struggled early last season making the jump from Division I-AA Montana.

Etc.

● Left tackle Sam Baker clearly is more at ease heading into his second season. “Even just walking around the locker room,” Baker said. “You know where everything is and how it works. You know the schedule better.”

● Tight end Keith Zinger, after making the 53-man roster, switched his jersey number from 82 to 89. Zinger was on the practice squad last season as a rookie.