Norwood returns to Falcons practice

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Falcons went through a full morning practice before coach Mike Smith canceled the afternoon special teams practice. The New England Patriots come to town today for two non-padded practices. Here's a quick look at Monday's practice.

Three scenes

-- Quarterback Matt Ryan tossed a perfect deep pass down the left side of the field to a streaking Roddy White, who hauled it in. Ryan pulled a Brett Favre and ran down the field to congratulate White.

-- While switching fields between drills, safety Thomas DeCoud became the latest player to complete the trash can leap. Instead of walking around the waist red trash can, he did a bunny-hop over it. Cornerback Brent Grimes and White are also noted trash can leapers.

-- Backup quarterback Chris Redman tossed a deep pass to wide receiver Andy Strickland, the former Wofford Terrier. Redman made the throw after catching rookie cornerback Dominique Franks peeking into the backfield.

Profile

Jerious Norwood, running back

Born: Jackson, Miss.

Status: Single

College: Mississippi State

What's your favorite fishing rod? (Laughs) I don't really have a favorite fishing rod, but I do have a favorite lure. That would be the Purple Worm.

Favorite fishing hole? Actually I do [have one], but if I told you, everybody would know.

What's your favorite meal for lunch? Chick-fil-A.

Chatter

"It was good to see him back. He's one of our weapons, one of our X factors and we need him on this team."

Running back Michael Turner on the return to practice of Jerious Norwood

Rehab

-- Right tackle Tyson Clabo (undisclosed injury) return to practice.

-- Running back Jerious Norwood (hip flexor) returned to practice.

-- Cornerback Dunta Robinson (hamstring) did not practice. Scheduled to play against Miami on Aug. 27.

-- Wide receiver Michael Jenkins (left shoulder) is out three to five weeks.

-- Safety William Moore (groin) did not practice. He is day to day.

-- Cornerback Brian Williams (knee) participated in practice. On track to play against Miami on Aug. 27.

-- Defensive tackle Peria Jerry (knee) participated in practice. On track to play against Miami on Aug. 27.

Today's schedule

-- The first practice is scheduled for 8:30 -10:55 a.m. and the second practice is scheduled for 3:45-5:35 p.m. Both are open to the public. Practice lengths and times are subject to change based on weather and coach Mike Smith's discretion. Call 770-965-3115.

How to get there

(from I-85)

• Exit onto I-985 toward Gainesville.

• Take Exit 12 (Spout Springs Road/Flowery Branch).

• Turn left off the exit ramp onto Spout Springs Road.

• Go under I-985 and travel one-quarter mile and turn right on Thurmond

Tanner Road.

• Proceed on Thurmond Tanner Road for about one mile and then turn right on Atlanta Highway (Ga. 13).

• Go about one-half mile on Atlanta Highway (which becomes Falcon Parkway) past the Wrigley Plant on the left.

• The Falcons Training Complex will be on the left.

-- D.Orlando Ledbetter