Flowery Branch — Defensive end John Abraham returned to practice on Thursday and participated in most of the drills.

He suffered an injury to his left knee in the third quarter against Tampa Bay in last week's loss. It was severe enough for the Falcons to take a MRI exam. The results did not reveal any structural damage.

Interim head coach Emmitt Thomas said he expects Abraham to play against the Cardinals on Sunday.

"It wasn't as serious as it looked," Abraham said.

The Falcons pummeled the Cardinals 32-10 last season at the Georgia Dome.

Abraham missed last season's game, but said he hopes to get a few sack attempts against Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner.

"They've got some good receivers and an experienced quarterback," said Abraham, who leads the Falcons with eight sacks. "We have to do the best that we can to keep him dazed. We're trying to apply as much pressure as possible. We want him to make some quick decisions. Hopefully we can create some turnovers."

Houston, who's battling a chronic knee injury, also returned to practice. He's been receiving treatment for his knee injury three times a day.

He's bracing for Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin.

"He's very athletic," Houston said. "It's going to be another tough week."

Guard Blalock back

Left guard Justin Blalock will start against Arizona after being inactive for two games.

The Falcons determined that Blalock, a second round draft pick, had hit the rookie wall emotionally and physically.

"I haven't changed up too much of what I was doing," Blalock said. "I'm just not taking that beating for two weeks and not having all of the anticipation and extra stress kind of made it easy to come back as well."

Leftwich available as backup

Quarterback Byron Leftwich has overcome his tailbone injury and is available if needed.

Joey Harrington remains the backup to starter Chris Redman in part because he's the holder for kicker Michael Koenen on long field goal attempts.

"The trainers said [Leftwich] could play, but we needed Joey to hold for a long field goal kick," Thomas said. "I think all of the quarterbacks are ready to play if needed."

Andersen wants to keep playing

Falcons kicker Morten Andersen has made 20 of 23 field goal attempts since being signed on Sept. 18. He's automatic inside of 40, with all of his misses coming between 40 and 49 yards. He has made two 47-yarders this season.

"I'd like to keep going," Andersen said. "I need a little help from a team that will take the journey with me, but certainly. I think my performance speaks for itself this year."

Despite the turmoil surrounding the Falcons, Andersen, the league's all-time scoring leader, would like to stay with the franchise.

"I would love to be here," Andersen said.