FLOWERY BRANCH – The Falcons returned from their bye week and had some good health news as strong safety William Moore (groin), wide receiver Leonard Hankerson (hamstring) and linebacker Justin Durant (calf) all returned to practice on Monday.
Also, returner Devin Hester, who’s been battling a nasty turf toe injury, and was placed on injured reserve-designated to return on Oct. 6, returned to practice. He will not be eligible to return to the active/inactive list until the Tampa Bay game on Dec. 6.
Cornerback Robert Alford (groin) and safety Robenson Therezie (hamstring) were the only players without helmets and not scheduled to practice. Alford is expected back on Wednesday.
Moore was injured against Tennessee on Oct. 25. He’s missed the past two games, both losses to Tampa Bay and San Francisco. Moore is the third-leading tackler on the team with 36. He also has two interceptions and four pass breakups.
“I love being out there,” Moore said. “I love the game. I’m in my seventh season. I’m not as frustrated as I was when I was a rookie. I’m going to do exactly what I’ve been doing and that’s going 100 percent whenever I am out there.”
Hankerson, who was limited in practice, was also hurt against Tennessee and missed the past two games. He’s fourth on the team in receptions with 22 catches for 291 yards and two touchdowns.
“I felt good,” Hankerson said. “Definitely, when you come back off of injury, you can’t just rush back into it and open it right back up. I was just excited to be back out there with the teammates.”
Durant is the team’s second-leading tackler with 39. He missed the San Francisco game after suffering a calf injury against Tampa Bay.
