The Falcons hoped that their murky injury situation would become clearer with a week of rest over the bye week, but little has improved.
Running back Steven Jackson (hamstring), wide receiver Roddy White (left hamstring/right ankle), left tackle Sam Baker (left knee), linebacker Akeem Dent (sprained ankle) and tight end Chase Coffman (left knee) were listed on the team’s official injury report released Wednesday and did not practice.
Running back Jason Snelling (concussion) cleared the NFL’s protocol program and fully participated in practice.
The rash of injuries is reflected in the team’s depth chart for the game against Tampa Bay, which is set for 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
Against the Bucs, the Falcons could start eight players who were not in the opening-day starting lineup, and Falcons coach Mike Smith has hinted at a youth movement as the team attempts to end a three-game losing streak
Here are the eight projected starters for Game 6 who didn’t open the season as starters: Harry Douglas (Julio Jones/injury), Jeremy Trueblood (Lamar Holmes/coaches’ decision), Drew Davis or Kevin Cone (White/injury), Jacquizz Rodgers (Jackson/injury), Jonathan Massaquoi (Kroy Biermann/injury), Joplo Bartu (Sean Weatherspoon/injury), Paul Worrilow (Stephen Nicholas/coaches’ decision) and Omar Gaither (Dent/injury).
Youth movement: Smith seldom makes wholesale personnel changes, but younger players such as defensive tackle Travian Robertson and Worrilow could be in for more playing time.
“We discussed personnel moves, play time and scheme,” Smith said when asked if we could expect some personnel changes after the bye week. “It’s all on the table.”
Smith hinted at somewhat of a youth movement.
“You have a 46-man roster on game day and a 53-man roster overall,” Smith said. “There is not a whole lot of movement, but there are things you can do in the amount of time and the play time with the players that you have on the team (such as) give some of the younger players more play time.”
New punt returner: Rookie cornerback Robert Alford is set to take over the punt-return duties against Tampa Bay.
“Every since training camp I’ve been preparing myself to be the No. 1 punt returner,” Alford said. “By him telling me that it’s my turn up this week, I’m just glad that he gave me the chance and the opportunity.”
Douglas, who will take on a bigger role in the offense, has been the primary punt returner. Alford is listed as the No. 2 returner, and nickel back Robert McClain has been catching punts in practice.
Douglas had 10 returns for 57 yards with a long of 15 yards. Against the Dolphins, Douglas had a key fumble after violating the team’s one-bounce rule while trying to make a play.
“We need to get better in (with) our punt returns,” Smith said. “We are not winning the field-position battles like we did last year through the first five games.”
The Falcons like Alford’s skill set and have high hopes for him.
“He’s got exceptional speed and really good vision,” special-teams coordinator Keith Armstrong said.
Etc.: Tampa Bay had lost 10 of their past 11 games over two seasons. The lone victory was over the Falcons, a 22-17 victory on Dec. 30 at the Georgia Dome. … The Falcons are 4-1 in games after the bye week under Smith.
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