Falcons rookie Zeke Motta, a seventh-round pick, is set to make his first NFL start against the Redskins at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
Motta will replace free safety Thomas DeCoud, who was declared out with a concussion Friday by head coach Mike Smith. DeCoud, who went to the Pro Bowl as an alternate last season, has started 80 of the past 82 games for the Falcons.
DeCoud was injured on the last play of the first quarter against Green Bay on Sunday. Motta took over and played 53 of 71 defense snaps (75 percent) against the Packers and was in coverage when they scored the go-ahead touchdown.
“I’m excited,” Motta said. “I can’t wait to go out there, play, have fun and be out there with my boys. Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to make some plays. Fly around and have fun.”
The fact that he’s starting was not an issue for Motta, who played at Notre Dame.
“My preparation doesn’t change,” Motta said. “I like to be ready whenever my name is called. Yeah, I’m excited and I feel confident going in.”
Also, safety Kemal Ishmael will be active for just the second time this season and will play on special teams.
“It’s just been a long process for me,” Ishmael said. “That’s how it is as a rookie. That’s what I’m here for, to try to get on the field and make plays.”
The Falcons played six of their eight draft picks and four undrafted rookie free agents extensively against Green Bay. The only rookies not to play were Ishmael and quarterback Sean Renfree, a seventh-round pick, who’s on injured reserve.
The 10 rookies played a total of 416 snaps — 85 on offense, 331 on defense — against the Packers.
DeCoud is in stage two of the league concussion protocol program.
Also, running back and special teams standout Antone Smith (knee) was declared out for the game.
Massaquoi gets a sack: The NFL revised the stats from the Green Bay game and credited defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi with two sacks. The league had given him a split sack with linebacker Paul Worrilow.
Massaquoi, who’s had two strong games against Buffalo and Green Bay, now has three sacks.
“I’m starting to get more confidence in my game,” Massaquoi said. “Sadly, it’s happening at the end of the season. Better late than never.”
He’s like to close out the season on a high note.
“I feel that if I continue to make plays and finish up strong over these next three games, it’s going to leave the coaches a lot to think about going into the next season about what they can do with me and how much more of role I can play on this Atlanta Falcons team,” Massaquoi said.
No reunion tour: Right tackle Jeremy Trueblood was signed by the Falcons on Sept. 3 after being released by Washington.
“I got to know the guys on the team pretty good,” Trueblood said. “They are good guys. I didn’t get much of an opportunity there, so I can speak on that. I’m in a better place now.”
Trueblood has started 10 games with the Falcons.
“I wasn’t in their plans, that’s fine,” Trueblood said. “I’ve moved on and so did they. It was just a pit stop for me.”
Etc.: The Falcons have missed 107 tackles this season, according to profootballfocus.com. …The Falcons are 2-4 at the Georgia Dome this season and are in danger of having their first losing home-record under Smith. …Harry Douglas is 74 yards away from 1,000 yards receiving on the season.
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