Falcons safety James Sanders could get the start Sunday if William Moore is not able to play.
Sanders, who signed Aug. 30 after being released by the New England Patriots, started against Philadelphia on Sept. 18, but has played mostly on special teams. Moore suffered a quadriceps injury against the Colts.
Sanders has played 91 games in the NFL and started 51, so he won’t be overwhelmed. However, he’ll be the key defender against New Orleans second-year tight end Jimmy Graham.
“I think [Graham] is having an All-Pro year, just like our tight end [Tony Gonzalez],” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “He creates mismatches. He’s a former basketball player. He can catch the ball, he can jump.”
Graham, who played four years of basketball and one season of football at Miami, has 55 catches for 791 yards and five touchdowns.
Gonzalez is a fan of Graham’s, but believes he needs to improve as a blocker.
“He’s going to be the best receiving tight end in the game before it’s all said and done,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve had small talks with him, and he cares. He’s a dynamic player. He’s explosive. He’s real emotional. He gets into it. He gets it.
“He’s going to be good for a long time to come.”
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