Jason Snelling latest Falcon facing an injury

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons running back Jason Snelling, who has filled in admirably as a backup, did not practice Thursday.

Snelling suffered a hamstring injury in the game Sunday against Dallas, but coach Mike Smith did not have to issue an official injury report, per NFL rules, until Thursday.

It was the latest blow for the Falcons, who are hoping to get running backs Ovie Mughelli (calf) and Jerious Norwood (right hip flexor) back for the game against the Saints on Monday night in New Orleans.

Snelling started the past two games for Mughelli and also played some for Michael Turner.

He had a big 31-yard gain against Dallas and rushed for 68 yards on seven carries.

Snelling’s injury also led the Falcons to sign running back Aaron Stecker on Tuesday.

Norwood and defensive Thomas Johnson (calf) also did not practice on Thursday.

We had a number of guys with limited participation as well.

Other players listed on the injury report: defensive end John Abraham (foot), defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (right ankle), safety Antoine Harris (knee), linebacker Tony Gilbert (knee), cornerback Christopher Owens (shoulder), and long snapper Mike Schneck (back).

Hill getting closer

The Falcons cornerbacks have been under siege the past two weeks as Chicago's Jay Cutler and Dallas' Tony Romo each passed for 300 yards or more.

Cornerback Tye Hill, who played on special teams against Dallas, is getting closer to competing for playing time.

"He continues to progress," Smith said. "We are working toward getting him some playing time. Like we said from the beginning, we are going to be patient with him."

Hill could a be candidate to take over at left cornerback, where Brent Grimes has had some lapses and tackling issues.

Bourbon Street factor

Center Todd McClure expects the Superdome to be rocking by kickoff for the Monday night game.

"If we can go get some points and get them early, we can take the crowd out a little bit," said McClure, who played at LSU and is from Baton Rouge. "But it's a night game in New Orleans. They'll be on Bourbon Street all day getting ready for it, so I don't know how much you can take them out of the game."

Division race

The Falcons (4-2) don't want to fall three games behind the Saints (6-0) with nine to play.

"It's important, but I don't think anybody in this locker room is talking about it," linebacker Mike Peterson said.

Prediction corner

Peterson was wearing his Florida Gators knit cap before practice and offered a prediction on the Georgia-Florida game.

"Florida will win, you pick the score," Peterson said. "Just get to the game early. It might get out of hand."

Monday Night Special

The Falcons have not fared well on "Monday Night Football." They entered the season with the worst record in the league in Monday night games at 9-21 (.300).

Of course, the last time the Falcons were on "Monday Night Football" was Bobby Petrino's last game as head coach, on Dec. 10, 2007, at the Georgia Dome, a 34-14 loss to the Saints.