Dunta Robinson has been medically cleared to return to practice for the Atlanta Falcons, the team reports. The cornerback had missed multiple practice sessions after sustaining a concussion in Atlanta's Week 17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but after fulfilling the league's concussion protocol he was cleared to return.

Head coach Mike Smith was glad to see the cornerback back so quickly, saying it was "very good to get Dunta back." The Falcons have a first-round bye, so even if Robinson is less than 100 percent he has a bit of time to get in sync with the rest of the defense.

Robinson had 80 tackles in 2012, his third-highest career total and his most since his second year in the league. The ninth-year veteran also had 1.5 sacks, an interception and a forced fumble. Atlanta has struggled with pass defense, ranking 23rd in the league with 242 yards given up per game.