Falcons notes: Grimes returns to practice

FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons starting left cornerback Brent Grimes (knee) returned to practice Friday and was listed as questionable on the team’s injury report for the wild-card playoff game against the Giants at 1 p.m. Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

Grimes, who didn’t play in the regular-season finale against the Buccaneers, did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. He was limited in practice Friday, but appeared fine while making several plays on the ball.

Linebacker Stephen Nicholas (turf toe) was working on the side with the trainers, but was listed as doubtful for the game.

Running back Michael Turner (groin), wide receiver Harry Douglas (groin), wide receiver Kerry Meier (groin) and safety William Moore (groin) were limited in practice.

Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (head), tight end Reggie Kelly (back), tight end Michael Palmer (knee), running back Jason Snelling (knee), defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (hamstring), fullback Mike Cox (finger), defensive tackle Peria Jerry (calf), wide receiver Julio Jones (thumb), middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (ankle), cornerback Christopher Owens (hand) and wide receiver Roddy White (hip) were on the injury report, but all fully participated in practice and were listed as probable.

Center Todd McClure, tight end Tony Gonzalez, defensive end John Abraham were rested Wednesday. They all fully participated in practice on Thursday and Friday.

Giants defensive Justin Tuck, who referred to the Falcons’ linemen as ‘dirt bags’, did not practice with a shoulder injury. He was listed as probable for the game.

Could have been a Giant

Gonzalez said the Giants were one of the teams he identified for a possible trade when it became clear the Chiefs would deal the tight end in 2009.

The Giants passed on Gonzalez, he thinks in part because of his age, and the Falcons landed the future Hall of Famer for a second-round pick.

Gonzalez said he saw similarities between the Falcons and Giants. Both had strong quarterbacks and a featured running back.

Jones honored

Jones credited his teammates after being named the NFL’s Rookie of the Month for December this week. Jones had 24 receptions for 461 yards and six touchdowns in five games (the Jan. 1 game was included in the award).

“The award is great, but I have to give credit to my teammates,” Jones said. “I have to give credit to the offensive line and to Matt [Ryan] for throwing the ball to me.

He really has confidence in me and has given me those opportunities to make plays.”

Etc.

Former Falcons running back Warrick Dunn watched practice Friday. ... White, Jones and Grimes attended Thursday night’s Hawks-Heat game at Philips Arena. ... Weather reports call for a high of 45 degrees under partly-cloudy skies in New York on Sunday. The low is expected to be 31 degrees. Reports also indicate a zero percent chance of precipitation.