Finneran's return beefs up Falcons' receiving corps

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH -- The Falcons received some good injury news.

Wide receiver Brian Finneran returned to practice and looks as if he'll be able to play Sunday against the Eagles.

"Having Brian back is going to be big for us," Falcons coach Mike Smith said Thursday. "It gives us another healthy wide receiver."

Finneran suffered a left knee injury against Washington and has missed the past three games.

"He's looking very good," Smith said. "He's moving around. It should be a go for him."

Quarterback Matt Ryan (turf toe), running back Michael Turner (ankle), wide receiver Michael Jenkins (ankle) and right guard Harvey Dahl (ankle) did not practice for the second consecutive day.

Brett Romberg replaced Dahl last week against Tampa Bay, but Quinn Ojinnaka, who has been inactive for seven games this season, also will be an option against Philadelphia.

Wilson ready

Rookie John Parker Wilson is ready to serve as the No. 2 quarterback against the Eagles.

"I'm going to do the things that I've done thus far this season," Wilson said. "I've done a pretty good job of preparing. I'm getting more reps on the field and trying to take advantage of every opportunity that I'm getting."

Wilson, who played at Alabama, might try to go to the Georgia Dome on Saturday to catch some of the SEC Championship game between Alabama and Florida.

Owens to start

Smith doesn't expect Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb to target rookie left cornerback Christopher Owens, who's set to make his second NFL start.

"He's going to read the coverage and based on the coverage, is the direction that he's going to go," Smith said. "Chris is up to the challenge. He got his feet wet last week. He will be out there from the first snap."

Tops in receptions

Tight end Tony Gonzalez, the team's leading receiver with 61 catches, spent part of the week working on timing issues with backup quarterback Chris Redman.

Gonzalez caught nine passes Sunday and was instrumental in the Falcons' game-winning touchdown drive.

"It's up to us," Gonzalez said. "I think we will [do some extra work on the timing.]"

They also will use the film room to get the passing game in sync.

"We can talk a lot," Gonzalez said. "We can easily get in the film room, get some extra film together.

"I can let him know what I'm thinking, but he's been in the room, too. He knows what I'm thinking. We were together for all of camp and all season. Matt is not in there throwing every single play."

Gonzalez on kickers

Gonzalez has an interesting take on kickers.

"They are kickers," Gonzalez said. "They are specialists. No, they are not football players. They are not hitting anybody. At least you don't want them to, but you have to give them respect. The games always come down to them. ... I respect the heck out of them. I just want them to make the kick all of the time."