Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Corey Peters suffered a stress fracture in his foot in an offseason workout that's kept him out of the team's lineup for the entire season. He's been labeled as physically unable to perform.

But there are signs that Peters is progressing in his road to recovery. Mike Smith had this to say in his press conference Monday.

"Corey has been working with our athletic performance group on the side. There will be a decision making process in terms of PUP from week six to week nine where you can come off the PUP. That's coming up very quickly."

The Falcons' defense has been solid under Mike Nolan this season, but it could stand to improve even more. Where Peters' presence would benefit Atlanta is in the running game, where the Falcons have given up the sixth-most yards on the ground.

Peters recorded 26 tackles, 21 solo, in 15 games last season. He also had three sacks and an interception in 2011.