Falcons' cornerback Houston day-to-day

By D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Defensive tackle Kroy Biermann (foot), linebacker Tony Gilbert (leg) and Robert Ferguson (leg) all returned to practice Tuesday.

“It just kind of got rolled up on,” said Biermann, who was injured Saturday against Detroit.

Starting cornerback Chris Houston (hamstring) did not practice and still is considered day-to-day.

“Our main goal is to be as healthy as possible when we play that opener Sept. 13,” Smith said. “We are going to be cautious.”

Young corners

The staff will give Houston’s practice time to rookie cornerbacks Christopher Owens and William Middleton while Houston is out.

“They can compete, get into the game earlier and go against some of the top flight players that St. Louis has on their roster,” Smith said.

Middleton, who played at Marist, is working as a nickel back.

“The nickel is a tough job in our defense,” Middleton said. “You have a lot of responsibility.”

Notable

The Falcons spent time working on their two-minute offense and red-zone offense during the morning practice and on special teams in the afternoon.