Finneran takes part in walk-through

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons wide receiver Brian Finneran participated in the walk-through Wednesday but did not practice after suffering a left knee injury against the Redskins.

"But it's probably going to go down to the wire [on whether he'll play Sunday]," Falcons coach Mike Smith said after the team practiced indoors.

Also, running back Jerious Norwood (right hip flexor) was excused from practice to witness the birth of his child, and left tackle Sam Baker (left ankle) did not practice.

Defensive tackle Thomas Johnson (calf) and running back Jason Snelling (hamstring) returned to practice. Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (knee, ankle) was listed on the injury report, but he participated fully in practice.

Fines coming?

Redskins players LaRon Landry and Albert Haynesworth told The Washington Post that they were fined for their roles in the sideline rumble with the Falcons on Sunday. Landry said he received an envelope from the league, but hadn't opened it. The NFL usually announces fines on Friday.

The Falcons would not acknowledge if the league had been in contact with them regarding any fines.

Etc.

*Bryan Pittman did a good job in his first game as the Falcons' long snapper.  "I was at home in Houston and four days later, I'm playing in a game," Pittman said. "I was a little rusty. "

*Safety Antoine Harris, one of the Falcons' top special-teams players, played against Washington after missing four games with a knee injury. "I'm just ready to get this knee brace off," Harris said. "I feel like an old man with it on."

*Carolina wide receiver Mushin Muhammad participated fully in practice today, according to Panthers coach John Fox.

*The Panthers have won three of their past five games after opening the season 0-3.