Khadrice Rollins
krollins@ajc.com
Cornerback Desmond Trufant (should/pectoral) returned to practice Monday, but he is still uncertain whether or not he will play Sunday.
“I feel good,” he said. “Been a long three weeks just trying to get back to this point. I’m just improving everyday, so I’m happy I’m going to get an opportunity to maybe come back.”
Trufant was injured in Atlanta’s (6-4) 43-28 win against Tampa Bay (5-5) on Nov. 3. He was froced to miss the contest the following week against Philadelphia (5-5), which the Falcons dropped 24-15.
As he looks to get back out on the field for Sunday’s matchup with the Arizona Cardinals (4-5-1), Trufant said he feels comfortable with his range of motion, but being such a “twitchy player” who moves his arms a lot could be a factor.
“It’s just a mental thing at this point, I think I felt the worst of it when it happened,” Trufant said. “It just comes down to how much (pain) can I take.”
When it comes to the long-term recovery of the injury, he said he isn’t sure yet how it will be handled and whether or not he will need surgery. He added that the decision to try and return this season was not simple and that he needs to be “smart” going forward no matter how much he may want to play.
Trufant said his decision to play will come down to whether or not he feels like himself.
“I’m not going to go out there and be 20 percent, I got too much pride to put that on film,” Trufant said.
