FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons rookie safety William Moore will see his first action of the regular season against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Moore, who's coming off knee surgery and a hamstring injury, was inactive for the first three games, but he has put two good weeks of practice together and is ready for action, according to coach Mike Smith.
Moore, the team's second-round draft pick who was expected to compete for a starting position, was injured during the first week of training camp. When he tried to return from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and play in the third exhibition game against San Diego, he pulled the left hamstring.
"As a football player, it can be frustrating, but it's a part of the game," Moore said. "You get hurt sometimes, but you have to fight back twice as hard."
He will play on special teams against the 49ers.
"I know I'm going to be shaking a little bit," Moore said. "It's a different atmosphere, but I'm excited about it."
There is not an immediate opening in the secondary for Moore with strong safety Erik Coleman and free safety Thomas DeCoud playing well.
"I'm still learning my way through the defense," Moore said.
Moore was considered a top 15 pick if he had entered the 2008 draft, but he returned to Missouri and played with a high ankle sprain for most of his senior season.
In the 2009 draft, he slipped into the second round and was the 55th overall pick.
"I really take pride in how hard I go, but that can come back to haunt you sometimes if you don't take care of your body," Moore said. "That's what I'm focusing on now. Taking care of my body and doing the little things."
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