Motta misses practice with neck injury

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.

About the Author

With season on the brink, Falcons face Panthers, look to end losing streak

Falcons add defensive help up front

The Falcons signed defensive lineman Elijah Garcia on Saturday in addition to promoting cornerback Cobee Bryant and safety Jammie Robinson to the active roster.

Falcons need to get Bijan Robinson some room to run

The Falcons must figure out a way to get Robinson back into open space when they play the Carolina Panthers at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Latest

Credit: AP

LIVE UPDATES

With season on the brink, Falcons face Panthers, look to end losing streak

Falcons add defensive help up front

Falcons need to get Bijan Robinson some room to run

Featured

Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images

Prosecutor takes helm of Georgia case against Trump. But will he move forward?

A veteran Georgia prosecutor will decide the fate of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' election interference case against Donald Trump and his allies.

With some solar power tax breaks expiring, Georgians rush to catch the sun

Georgia solar installers say they’re seeing a surge of customers trying to install rooftop solar systems before federal tax credits go away at the end of the year.

‘Automatic for the People’: Weaver D’s still bonds Athens as era nears end

After feeding everyone from R.E.M. to Brian Kemp, and coining a phrase that went global, Dexter Weaver is preparing to close his storied Athens soul food restaurant.