Falcons rookie Mike Johnson misses practice, wears knee brace

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Rookie offensive lineman Mike Johnson, a third-round pick, was wearing a brace on his left knee and did not practice Tuesday.

Falcons coach Mike Smith would not confirm if Johnson suffered an injury. Smith recently stated that he was spending too much time discussing injuries and said that if a player suffered a major injury, then the team would make an announcement.

"Again, we are not talking about guys that aren’t practicing until we get to the Wednesday before the Pittsburgh game," Smith said.

A total of 11 players did not dress for the first exhibition game. Nine players did not dress for the second game. Smith has repeatedly stated his desire to be as healthy as possible for the season opener against Pittsburgh on Sept. 12.

On Sept. 8 the team is required to submit its first weekly NFL-mandated injury report. The league considers reporting injuries a serious matter that goes to the integrity of the game.

Teams have been fined for submitting misleading and false injury reports. The league's media-relations policy states that, "Clubs must ensure that all medical information issued to the media is credible, responsible, and specific in terms that are meaningful to teams, media, and fans."

Wide receiver Michael Jenkins (shoulder), defensive tackle Corey Peters (sprained knee), wide receiver Kerry Meier (torn ACL in left knee) and defensive tackle Thomas Johnson (Achilles) are the known injuries.

Meier can't go on IR

The Falcons originally announced that Meier would go on injured reserve, but rookies can't be placed on the list before the 53-man roster has been decided.

The Falcons don't have to cut down to 53 players until Sept. 4.

“That’s why we haven’t made that move,” Smith said. “Some of you all are asking, ‘Are you going to make a move at wide receiver?’ Well, there’s not a roster spot to do it because of the rules of the league. Once [Meier officially goes on IR], there’s the possibility that could [happen].”

Moore ready to play

Safety William Moore is scheduled to see extended action against the Miami Dolphins on Friday.

"Like a typical player, you want to be out there," said Moore, who has been injury-plagued since he was selected in the second round of the 2009 draft. "It has definitely been frustrating."

Over the offseason and training camp, Moore's groin failed him. Last season, he battled knee and hamstring injuries.

"I always felt comfortable [with the defense]," Moore said. "It's just been one of those things where you worry about going too fast because you might pull something."

That first tackle is going to let Moore know, for certain, if he's all the way back.

"I haven't tackled anybody in a long time," Moore said. "I'm just looking forward to going out and laying that wood on somebody."

Moore figures to play on special teams and could land the top backup spot behind Thomas DeCoud and Erik Coleman.

Sidbury coming on

Defensive end Lawrence Sidbury turned in a strong performance against New England and may be ready to see more action against top-level players.

He finished with four tackles and one sack.