Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley was limited in practice Friday, when defensive linemen Grady Jarrett and Derrick Shelby appeared all the more likely to return to game action after their solid practices Thursday.
Wide receiver Mohamed Sanu missed his second consecutive practice with a hip injury ahead of the Falcons’ “Monday Night Football” game against the Giants.
Kicker Matt Bryant (hamstring) missed practice and will be replaced against the Giants by Giorgio Tavecchio, who signed earlier this week.
Ridley, the rookie who leads the Falcons with six touchdown receptions, played only seven offensive snaps in Sunday’s win over the Bucs before going down with a sprained ankle. He did not practice Thursday, and team officials limited his on-field work Friday.
“I had a couple catches early, so I was feeling good about myself, but God had another plan,” he said before practice. “I feel pretty good. Yes [he’ll practice], if they let me. I’m pretty sure I’m pretty good.”
Sanu was in for 33 snaps before leaving the Tampa Bay game.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Friday afternoon before practice. “Mohamed will still do the walk-through reps and work on the side to build strength.” Sanu was not seen on the practice field during the early portion that is open to media.
Jarrett, the starting tackle who missed the past two games with a sprained ankle, and Shelby, who missed five games with a groin injury, would be a big help to the Falcons’ beleaguered defensive line when the Falcons (2-4) play the Giants (1-5) in their game before a bye week.
They were both listed as limited participants after practice.
Reserve cornerback Justin Bethel was upgraded from limited on Thursday to full participant Friday.
“It was good to have them back out there, No. 1,” Quinn said. “We’ve had Derrick out there for a little while and Grady worked on the side. When we saw Grady yesterday, it was good to see him full speed getting his work, pass rushing, doing all the things that make him unique.”
If Ridley (22 receptions, 349 yards) or Sanu (22, 303, three touchdowns) is not able to play Monday, wide receivers Marvin Hall (five receptions, 64 yards) and Justin Hardy (four receptions, 37 yards) figure to be busier. Rookie Russell Gage, who pulled in his first reception against Tampa Bay, might also play offense.
“Marvin’s role will certainly increase and Justin’s role would increase, and the third would be Russ at one spot,” Quinn explained. “Marvin and Justin have been trained at two spots.”
For the Giants, starting tackle Nate Solder (neck) and wide receiver Russell Shepherd (neck) remained limited and starting linebacker Olivier Vernon (ribs) was upgraded from limited to full participant.
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