FLOWERY BRANCH - Falcons left tackle Jake Matthews (left ankle sprain) said he's expecting to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night at the Georgia Dome.
He was a limited participant in practice on Monday. Falcons coach Mike Smith said he expects Matthews to fully participate in practice on Tuesday.
“It went well,” Matthews said. “It was nice to go out there and do some stuff with the guys. It’s something that is going to take time and a lot more healing, but I was excited to get out there. It’s getting better every day. I’m a little excited for this week."
Matthews was hurt in the second quarter against the Saints when a defender rolled up on his left ankle. He tested the ankle on Friday, but was declared out for the game.
“I’m expecting to play," Matthews said. "I know that I personally think I’ll be ready to play. But we’ll see how the week of practice goes and we’ll see what coach (Smith) has to say.”
Matthews said he's never missed a game in his career until Sunday.
"It was a little different, but it was also a good learning experience," Matthews said. "I got to watch the game from a different perspective. I was trying to be a motivator and tried to encourage the guys out there. I got something out of it for sure.”
If Matthews is ready to play, the Falcons could likely move Gabe Carimi back to right tackle, where he was rotating with Lamar Holmes.
"My biggest thing is that you have to be mentally ready and be able to go in there and play with however the ankle feels," Matthews said.
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