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 quarterback Kirk Cousins drops back to pass against the New Orleans Saints in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in New Orleans. (Gerald Herbert/AP)

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Atlanta art and antiques appraiser and auctioneer Allan Baitcher (right) takes bids during a 2020 auction. Baitcher and his company, Peachtree Antiques, are being sued by a Florida multimillionaire who says he paid them $20 million for fakes. (AJC 2020)

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