Corey Peters Injury: Falcons DT working to get in game shape

Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Corey Peters returned to the practice field earlier this week after rehabbing a left foot injury that has kept him out of the lineup since the offseason. While Peters was limited in his return on Monday, he's worked hard in the following days to get back to full strength and prepare for this weekend's game against the Philadelphia Eagles (via Falcons.com):

"We're killing it in practice," Peters said. "We're trying to go full speed. We're going to do the best we can. I need to have it in my head that I'm back to normal and everything is good. With the foot injury, I think there's always a little doubt in your head because you use it so much. It's so important and used in everything you do, walking around and running. I think we need to really test it out and go full speed in practice and hopefully get my football legs back under me as soon as possible."

Getting Peters back would be a huge boost for Atlanta's defense, who has struggled against the run so far this season. The Falcons are 28th in the NFL in rush defense, giving up 143.8 yards per game.

Peters' return should also be beneficial for current starter Jonathan Babineaux. While Babineaux is having an excellent season, he's been forced to play a ton of snaps due to Peters' injury. In Weeks 5 and 6, Babineaux played almost every single down on defense.

In Peters' first two seasons as a pro, he combined for 73 tackles, four sacks, one interception and one fumble returned for a touchdown.