Who’s in?, who’s out?

By: T. Love

John Abraham, who missed eight games last season due to a hamstring injury, is having a little trouble with the same issue. The three-time pro-bowler saw limited action in Thursday’s practice and was out today. He is probable for Sunday’s contest versus the Carolina Panthers, but how much will this injury affect his play on the field?

Sunday will be the indicator.

In other injury news, TE Dwayne Blakely and defensive tackle Rod Coleman are both out this week. Blakely’s absence opens the way for rookie and former UGA standout Martrez Milner to see the field. Starting tight end Alge Crumpler still is not 100 percent and the team does use two TE sets from time-to-time.

Third-year man Jonathan Babineaux will continue to start in place of Coleman and is coming off probably his best game as a Falcon, picking up two sacks and three tackles.

Tackle Wayne Gandy is questionable this week and that is perfectly OK because he is only expediting the grooming of Renardo Foster. Gandy is a revolving door at left tackle and he is old enough to remember the leather helmet days. Time for some new blood.

WR Laurent Robinson is probable for this game and the Falcons need to get this kid on the field. Rich McKay would be wise to hire a hamstingologist to help the rookie and Abraham with their reoccurring injuries.

Safety Chris Crocker will more than likely make his season debut and it could not have come at a better time. Carolina is going to use plenty of play action and multiple receiver sets. The Falcons are going to need all the help in the secondary they can get. This will also push Jimmy Williams, who was given the starting job due to Crocker’s injury.

For the Panthers, LB Adam Seward is doubtful and that is all to report.

First division game for both teams, Atlanta needs a win in the worst way and in front of the home crowd is the best way to get it done.