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

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. suffered a left knee injury in Sunday’s loss at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to the Carolina Panthers, according to a report Monday by ESPN.  (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Travelers wait in Concourse F, the international terminal, at Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com