Falcons’ Vic Beasley returns to game after shoulder injury

Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley (44) sits on the sidelines as he is examined during the first half between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in Atlanta.

Credit: John Bazemore

Credit: John Bazemore

Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley (44) sits on the sidelines as he is examined during the first half between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in Atlanta.

The Falcons avoided a serious setback to their postseason chances when a left shoulder injury suffered by Pro Bowl pass rusher Vic Beasley wasn’t serious enough to keep him out of the game on Sunday against the Saints.

Beasley said his left shoulder “popped out” when he collided with a Saints player on a play in the first quarter. Beasley said he immediately suspected he’d hurt his labrum because the pain was familiar after he’d played the previous season with a torn labrum in the opposite shoulder.

Vic Beasley (44) returned to the game and recorded a sack of  New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) on the final play of  the first half Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in Atlanta.

Credit: David Goldman

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Credit: David Goldman

After the injury Beasley went to the locker room, where he said X-rays taken on the shoulder were negative. Beasley returned to the game early in the second quarter and sacked the Saints’ Drew Brees just before halftime.

“I was still able to function,” Beasley said. “I did a little workout, and just fight through the pain. We did a couple exercises to keep that movement, to keep that mobility, and I started feeling better later.”

Beasley is scheduled to get an MRI on Monday.

Beasley entered the final week of the regular season with the NFL lead in sacks (14.5) and forced fumbles (six). The Falcons selected Beasley with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2015 draft out of Clemson.