If there's one saving grace to the Falcons' injury report this week, it's the potential return of DT Corey Peters. In the wake of Jonathan Babineaux's knee injury Peters' limited participation in today's practice should hopefully result in having at least one starting defensive tackle on the field Sunday night.
WEEK 2 INJURY REPORT
DNP- C Todd McClure (knee)
DNP- DT Johnathan Babineaux (knee)
DNP- WR Harry Douglas (concussion)
DNP- CB Chris Owens (ankle)
DNP- FB Ovie Mughelli (knee)
Limited- DT Corey Peters (knee)
Full- WR Roddy White (knee)
As it stands, the aforementioned Babineaux is the only player who is guaranteed to miss the game vs. Philadelphia, even though the organization is only committing to a 'DNP' at this time.
There's nothing unusual about having 5 non-participating players mid week, however for the Falcons these names carry some weight. The absence of Todd McClure last week weakened the interior line allowing for the Bears' DEs to have free reign, and while replacement Joe Hawley played well he doesn't hold a candle to the stalwart McClure.
Harry Douglas will be of great importance Sunday, especially if Philadelphia CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie misses the game (he failed to practice today). Having Douglas on the field should help alleviate some of the pressure on Matt Ryan giving him another option when his primary targets will be covered by the nightmare duo of Nnamdi Asomugha and Asante Samuel.
If Ovie Mughelli can't play there are reports Jason Snelling will fill in at FB. Though he is a large tailback, he really doesn't have the blocking acumen that Ovie has. If this is paired with Hawley at center it could severely limit the effectiveness of Michael Turner, especially as he deals with a defensive front that features Cullen Jenkins
While it's too early to make any determinations on Chris Owens' condition I think most would agree that he's the least significant loss on this list. At this point Kelvin Hayden should be ready to go, a represents a definite talent upgrade at the nickel.
SB Nation Atlanta will have an injury update closer to gametime on Sunday night. For more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic, and for more on the Eagles, check out Bleeding Green Nation.