Notebook: Falcons’ Ryan, Abraham are Pro Bowl alternates

The Falcons representation at the Pro Bowl could double.

Quarterback Matt Ryan and defensive end John Abraham are first alternates and would be added to the NFC team if a player at their position gets injured or elects not to participate. Running back Michael Turner and wide receiver Roddy White were named to the team on Tuesday.

Abraham, who is third in the NFL in sacks with 15.5 sacks, finished behind Carolina’s Julius Peppers, Minnesota’s Jared Allen and New York’s Justin Tuck.

Ryan, who’s have a stellar rookie season, finished behind New Orleans’ Drew Brees, New York’s Eli Manning and Arizona’s Kurt Warner.

Practice update

Abraham and linebacker Keith Brooking were excused from practice on Wednesday for personal reasons. Both are expected back today.

No surgery for Hartsock

Tight end Ben Hartsock, who suffered a season-ending toe injury against Carolina, won’t undergo foot surgery.

“Right now, it’s a waiting game,” Hartsock said. “The good thing is that we didn’t have to get the surgery. We were thinking we were going to have to get it fixed surgically, but they think it’s going to heal.”

Hartsock’s toe, which is in a cast, will be re-checked Dec. 26.

Hartsock was engaged in a block when the injury happened.

“The front of my foot ran down the heel of another guy’s foot and it just hyper-extended my toe,” Hartsock said. “When it happened, I didn’t feel a pop, a snap or anything like that. I just thought I’d stretched my foot out. I came out and thought I’d walk it off on the sidelines. As I walked around I realized that it wasn’t getting any better and that it was getting worse.”

Pollard ready

Tight end Marcus Pollard, who lives in Pine Mountain, has a unique training style that kept him in shape after getting cut in training camp.

“I was just trying to stay sexy for my wife,” said Pollard, a 14-year veteran who re-signed with the Falcons Tuesday. “As long as I stay hot for her, I know I’m in pretty good football shape.”

With Hartsock out, the Falcons were down to just Justin Peelle and Jason Rader at tight end.

“I’ve got to be on top of everything that’s being asked of me,” Pollard said. “I don’t think they brought me in to have me sit down and watch.”

Grimes close

Cornerback Brent Grimes who hasn’t played from scrimmage since the Chicago game, is close to returning from a knee injury.

“We feel like we are very fortunate to get him back at this point in time,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “It’s going to give us added depth not only on defense but special teams as well.”