After Falcons rookie linebackers Deion Jones and De’Vondre Campbell were limited to part-time duty in their return from injuries coach Dan Quinn said both players could return to the starting lineup on Sunday against the Chargers.
Jones (knee) played 26 of 66 defensive snaps against the Seahawks on Sunday and Campbell (ankle) played 21.
“They were limited in practice (last week) so we weren’t going to give them the full load,” Quinn said. “They had no setbacks from the game. That was a big thing where we now can incorporate them fully in the game plan.”
Jones had missed four games with his injury and Jones was out for one game. Jones had four tackles and a quarterback hit against the Seahawks and Campbell finished with three tackles.
“I saw good and bad,” Quinn said. “I saw some rust for sure. I saw the speed, that part for sure showed up. They were itching to get back. De’Vondre missed more time so there was more rust there in this game. Mentally they were on point.”
Quinn offered no updates on two players who left the Seahawks game with injuries: defensive end Derrick Shelby (calf), wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (head).
Cornerback C.J. Goodwin (hamstring) also left the Seahawks game. Quinn said the Falcons will take Goodwin through the practice week before deciding if he can play against the Chargers.
Cornerback Jalen Collins was inactive for the second straight game since returning from a league suspension. Quinn said Collins had a good practice week before the Seahawks game and “is ready to play” on Sunday.
