Hill joins Falcons for practice

The team is not inclined to rush him into the starting lineup.

"He's going to have to be patient and I told him that we're going to be patient with him," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "We will try to get him up to speed as quickly as possible."

Hill, who is listed at 5 feet 10, 187 pounds and has sub-4.4-second speed in the 40-yard dash, was the 15th overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft. The Falcons gave up a seventh rounder in 2010 to obtain him.

His career never blossomed in St. Louis as he battled injuries. He ended up on injured reserve the last two seasons.

In 2007, he suffered a lower back fracture after colliding with teammate Oshiomogho Atogwe in a passing drill. He returned and was playing well before breaking his wrist on a game-saving play against the Falcons.

He broke up a Chris Redman pass intended for Joe Horn with 2:14 left in game on fourth down to preserve a 28-16 victory.

Last season, Hill played just four games before he tore cartilage in his knee.

"The last few years have been rough," Hill said. "Coming from when I was in school and never being hurt, to being injury prone, I couldn't quite put my hand on it. I couldn't understand what was going on."

Hill passed his physical with the Falcons in order to take part in Wednesday's drills.

"I went through all of OTAs, all of mini-camp, all through the preseason without missing anything," Hill said of his summer progress in St. Louis. "I feel good."

Hill had played mostly left cornerback for the Rams but was switched to the right side under first-year coach Steve Spagnuolo.

"I'll be good with where ever they put me," Hill said. "I want to be on the field."

Etc.

Quarterback Matt Ryan will likely play just one series Thursday against the Ravens .... Running back Jerious Norwood (head, knee) and safety William Moore (hamstring) will not play Thursday .... Cornerback Chevis Jackson, normally the nickel back, will see plenty of playing time outside against the Ravens.