If Falcons coach Mike Smith decides to play Corey Peters against the Saints on Sunday, the reserve defensive tackle said he’s ready to go with no limitations.
Peters is about eight months removed from surgery to repair a right Achilles tendon rupture suffered during the final game of 2013. He’s listed as probable on the injury report after participating fully in practice this week, according to the Falcons.
“It’s all on them,” Peters said. “Of course, me being a competitor I always want to play. But that’s up to (Smith).”
Peters, 26, averaged about 44 snaps over the first 15 games of 2013 and had a solid season, especially against the run. The Falcons signed Peters to a one-year contact after he became a free agent following the season.
Peters is listed on the depth chart this week behind starting tackles Tyson Jackson and Paul Soliai. The Falcons could benefit from playing Peters in the rotation because rookie Ra’Shede Hageman’s conditioning issues could limit his snaps.
Peters said he was off his feet for about six weeks after his surgery. He said the majority of the rehabilitation involved building strength in his calf, and that regaining explosiveness was the hardest part.
Now he says he’s ready to go.
“I feel great,” Peters said. “No real lingering effects. I am a lot better than when I first found out. With the way the surgeries are coming, they’ve made a lot of progress. It’s not what it used to be. I feel good.”
Falcons reserve safety Dezmen Southward (concussion) also is listed on the injury report as probable.
