Abraham had head injury, could have returned

Flowery Branch — Falcons defensive end John Abraham said he suffered a head injury against the Panthers that was unrelated to his lingering problems from his shoulder-stinger injury.

“I could have [returned], but Harry [Douglas] pretty much canceled that with the punt return for a touchdown,” Abraham said. “[Defensive line coach] Ray [Hamilton] wanted me in there, but it was the smart thing to do. I had a little head injury, and I didn’t want to go in there and get knocked out again.”

Abraham pronounced himself fit for Sunday.

“I actually play a sport where you’ve got to get hit,” said Abraham, who has 12 sacks. “It’s something that you’ve got to work through. It’s fine.”

Babineaux pleased

Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux was happy to sign his contract extension, which was announced by the Falcons on Tuesday.

“We have a new GM and a new coaching staff,” Babineaux said. “I just think they felt real comfortable with me. We’ve been negotiating for the last few weeks and we finally came to terms over the weekend, which is good. I’m just happy to keep building my career, and hopefully we’ll have some more good years around here.”

Abraham on Tomlinson

Abraham doesn’t see any drop off in the play of San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who trails Thomas Jones of the New York Jets (950), Chris Johnson of Tennessee (833), and Steve Slaton of Houston (774) in rushing yards in the AFC. Tomlinson has 770 yards.

“He’s still a great back,” said Tomlinson, an eight-year veteran. “We just don’t want to give up that game that make y’all remember him by.”

Jackson kept eye on dancing Sapp

Defensive tackle Grady Jackson is not a big “Dancing with the Stars” fan, but he was rooting for Warren Sapp.

“I was rooting for him,” Jackson said. “It’s good when see the NFL D-lineman go in there and make it like that, Jason Taylor and those guys.”

Jackson would not accept an offer to appear on the popular TV show.

“I wouldn’t do it,” Jackson said. “I’d probably have to take a little class. But that’s not in my repertoire, doing all of that. I’m not doing no Salsa or nothing like that.”