Falcons rookie Zeke Motta, who started against Washington, suffered a neck injury in Thursday’s practice and did not participate in Friday’s practice.

Motta, a seventh-round pick from Notre Dame, started at free safety for Thomas DeCoud, who was out with a concussion, against the Redskins. He finished with five tackles and a pass breakup.

Also, running back Antone Smith (knee) returned to practice. He was injured against Green Bay on Dec. 8 and did not play against Washinton. Tight end Tony Gonzalez (toe) was limited.

Wide receiver Darius Johnson (high ankle sprain) and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (knee) did not practice.

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) celebrates his touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

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Waymo autonomous vehicles operate across 65 square miles inside I-285 and have been involved in six incidents with Atlanta Public School buses since May. Waymo issued a recall because of their cars briefly stopping or slowing down before continuing forward while a bus was stopped and flashing its lights. (Courtesy of Atlanta Public Schools)

Credit: Courtesy of Atlanta Public Schools