Falcons return specialist Devin Hester, who has a nagging turf toe injury, was declared out for the season-opener against the Philadelphia Eagles at 7:10 p.m. Monday at the Georgia Dome.
Linebacker Brooks Reed (groin surgery) was previously declared out.
Left tackle Jake Matthews (back), Wide receiver Roddy White (elbow), linebacker Joplo Bartu (quadriceps), running back Devonta Freeman (hamstring) and free safety Robenson Therezie (groin) are expected to play or be available to play.
Hester tested out his injured toe by running on the sidelines during the open portion of practice on Friday.
Wide receiver Eric Weems will likely take on the role of kickoff and punt returner for the Falcons. Nick Williams, Justin Hardy and running back Terron Ward are also available.
Losing Hester is blow to the Falcons’ special teams units.
Hester, 32, is one of the most prolific return men in NFL history. He holds records for punt return touchdowns (14) and combined career return touchdowns (20).
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